Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has called for the immediate resignation of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, labeling the country's recent elections a sham that demands sweeping reforms.
In a pointed social media post on Thursday, Amisi accused international observers of exposing deep flaws in the October 29 vote, which saw widespread protests and reports of civilian deaths.
The outburst highlights growing regional unease over democratic backsliding in East Africa.Tanzania's general elections unfolded amid tight security and an opposition boycott, with Suluhu securing a landslide 98% victory under her Chama Cha Mapinduzi party banner.
Violence erupted in urban centers like Dar es Salaam, where security forces clashed with demonstrators alleging fraud, leading to an internet blackout and at least dozens of fatalities according to human rights groups.
The polls, Hassan's first full-term contest, drew sharp scrutiny from global watchdogs.
The African Union Election Observation Mission stated the process failed to meet democratic standards, urging urgent constitutional changes and inclusive dialogue.
EU observers echoed concerns, identifying electoral gaps and recommending reforms to bolster transparency.
Southern African Development Community monitors went further, dismissing the vote as irregular and marred by irregularities.
Amisi, a vocal advocate for democratic accountability, amplified these findings in his X post.
"AU declared Tanzania elections flawed. EU observer missions declared the election undemocratic. Other observer missions declared it massively irregular," he wrote.
He claimed 98% of African presidents withheld congratulations from Suluhu—a figure that contrasts with public endorsements from the AU Commission chair and several East African leaders, though backlash has mounted over the poll's legitimacy.
The MP reserved his harshest words for the fallout.
"The only democratic thing remaining from the process is the President to resign, allow constitutional and electoral reforms and apologise for the atrocities meted on innocent civilians," Amisi stated.
President Suluhu was sworn in for her second term on Monday at a military base amid heightened security, opposition voices decried the ceremony as a farce.