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Chande Commission Registers 518 Election-Related Deaths in Tanzania

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

The Chande Commission recorded at least 518 deaths after President Samia Suluhu Hassan announced 97–98% victory on October 29, 2025.
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu was arrested for treason in April 2025, barring Chadema from voting.
Human Rights Watch and DW reported police shooting non-protesters, including young men in Mwanza watching TV.
A second inquiry chaired by Justice Shaban Ally Lila began gathering evidence in August 2026, findings pending.

History

After independence in 1961, Tanzania operated as a one-party state until a 1992 constitutional amendment lifted the ban on opposition parties. The first multi-party vote on 29 October 1995 saw CCM candidate Benjamin Mkapa win the presidency and the party secure 186 of 232 parliamentary seats, with 77 % voter turnout among nearly 9 million registrants.

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After independence in 1961, Tanzania operated as a one-party state until a 1992 constitutional amendment lifted the ban on opposition parties. The first multi-party vote on 29 October 1995 saw CCM candidate Benjamin Mkapa win the presidency and the party secure 186 of 232 parliamentary seats, with 77 % voter turnout among nearly 9 million registrants.

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