About 29 million eligible voters in Tanzania have participated in an elections overshadowed by opposition allegations of fraud, irregularities and an internet shutdown. This election is for a president in mainland Tanzania and the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, as well as for lawmakers and local councillors. 

 

According to the electoral laws of Tanzania, Results declared by the electoral commission cannot be challenged in court, making the elections monitoring very important. But, the opposition claim observers were turned away from most of the polling centres during the voting. This included international observers with many journalists from foreign media not being able to secure accreditation to cover the elections. 

 

The electoral process was also marred by the shutdown of major social media networks 

 

In a Twitter post on Wednesday, top opposition candidate Tundu Lissu, of the Chadema party, alleged “widespread irregularities” as voting got under way.

 

President John Magufuli is seeking  a second term in office despite criticism by the opposition of stifling dissent and narrowing democratic space since he took office five years ago. Nicknamed by his supporters “The Bulldozer”, the 60-year-old has won plaudits for his efforts to strengthen the economy, reduce wasteful public spending and pursue large-scale development projects.