Tanzania’s commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, witnessed intense clashes on Friday as hundreds of demonstrators confronted police forces, demanding the national electoral body halt the announcement of contested election results. The protests, which began on Wednesday, have led to the deployment of the military and a nationwide internet shutdown. State television continued to broadcast the mainland results of the vote, where the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, in power since Tanzania’s independence in 1961, sought to extend its rule. The election was marred by the exclusion of presidential candidates from the two main opposition parties, leaving incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan to face 16 candidates from smaller parties with minimal campaign presence. In Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous archipelago, the CCM retained the presidential seat, with incumbent President Hussein Mwinyi securing 78.8% of the votes. However, the opposition has accused the government of “massive fraud” and vowed to reveal its next steps. The protests, initially sparked by the harassment of opposition leaders and limited election choices, have escalated into widespread violence, with vehicles, gas stations, and police stations set ablaze. Amnesty International reported two fatalities during Wednesday’s unrest. The government has yet to comment on the extent of the damage or casualties. In response to the escalating crisis, the military has been deployed, and the reopening of colleges and universities, scheduled for next Monday, has been postponed. Army Chief Gen. Jacob John Mkunda condemned the violence, pledging the military’s collaboration with other security agencies to restore order. Meanwhile, Tanzanians abroad have been organizing daily discussions on X Spaces to analyze the protests and explore ways to financially support the demonstrators.