How Tanzania's Fraudulent Elections Sparked an Unusual Protest Movement

How Tanzania's Fraudulent Elections Sparked an Unusual Protest Movement

Author: Global Dispatches November 10, 2025 Duration: 35:37

On October 29, Tanzania held national presidential elections — and lo and behold, incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan "won" with a staggering 98% of the vote.

Everyone knew what was going on. The election was a sham from the start: her main rival is sitting in prison awaiting a treason trial, and the election commission that certified her landslide is stacked with loyalists.

Election hijinks aren't new in Tanzania, which has effectively been a one-party state for decades. What was new this time was the public reaction. Tanzanians — who don't have the same protest culture you see in nearby Kenya — poured into the streets in massive demonstrations demanding political change. For a moment, it felt like something was shifting. And then, just days later, security forces violently shut it all down, killing an unknown number of people.

My guest today, Constantine Manda, an assistant professor at UC Irvine, helps unpack what happened and why this moment matters. We start with the political logic behind Samia declaring herself the 98% winner, then dig into what these protests and the crackdown reveal about Tanzania's political future.


For years, Global Dispatches--World News That Matters has carved out a unique space, going beyond the headlines to explore the forces and figures shaping our world. This isn't about rapid-fire soundbites; it's a series of substantive conversations with the people directly involved-diplomats negotiating treaties, reporters on the ground in conflict zones, and scholars analyzing long-term trends in global development and international relations. The discussions delve into the "why" behind the news, providing context that is often missing from daily reporting. Recognized by The Guardian as a podcast designed to make you smarter, it serves an audience that feels underserved by superficial summaries. Each episode is built on the premise that complex events deserve nuanced explanation. By listening, you gain access to a clearer, more informed perspective on pivotal issues, from geopolitical shifts to humanitarian crises. The podcast’s longevity as an independent program speaks to its consistent quality and dedicated following. Tune in for a deeper, more thoughtful analysis of the stories that truly matter, presented through the voices of those who know them best.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
Podcast Episodes
How to Transform Education in Africa  | Future of Africa, Episode 5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:56
Education in Africa must do more than keep up — it must leap ahead. Vimbai Masiyiwa champions entrepreneurship education that sparks job creation, while Minister Serigne Mbaye Thiam draws lessons from reforming Senegal's…
The Climate, Peace & Security Nexus | Future of Africa Episode 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:27
What does it mean to make peace with nature — and why could that be the key to lasting peace between people? Former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos shares the extraordinary indigenous mandate that shaped his leade…
What We Can Expect from the Putin-Trump Alaska Summit [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:36
The past week has seen a frenzy of diplomatic activity on Ukraine, culminating in Donald Trump's extraordinary announcement that he will host Vladimir Putin in Alaska for talks on the war. Setting aside the propriety of…
Famine in Gaza — A Political and Humanitarian Tipping Point? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:20
"The worst-case scenario of famine is currently playing out in the Gaza Strip." That was the conclusion of a July 29 report by the leading global authority on food security, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classificat…