In a statement released late Wednesday, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Tigere Chagutah, confirmed the deaths and called for restraint from law enforcement.
A member of the public and a police officer were reportedly killed during protests that marred Tanzania’s general elections on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
“Reports that one general member of the public and one police officer have been killed during election day protests across Tanzania are deeply disturbing,” said Chagutah. “The risk of further escalation is high – we urge the police to exercise restraint and refrain from using unnecessary and excessive force against protesters.”
As Tanzanians headed to the ballot, demonstrations broke out in several towns and cities, with citizens taking to the streets to express frustration over what they termed a violation of the nation’s democratic laws.
The protests erupted after the country’s two main opposition presidential candidates — Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo — were barred from participating in the polls, a move that sparked widespread outrage.
Footage obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed chaotic scenes in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Tunduma, Tanga, and Mwanza, among other towns. In some instances, protesters clashed with police, leading to running battles and destruction of property.
Local reports indicate that security forces used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds in some regions, heightening fears of further unrest.
Human rights organizations have urged Tanzanian authorities to uphold the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and expression, warning that continued repression could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
The National Electoral Commission has yet to comment on the protests or the exclusion of the opposition candidates. Meanwhile, regional and international observers are closely monitoring the situation amid growing calls for transparency and calm as vote counting continues.