Tanzania imposes curfew, shuts down internet on election day amid protests

This is according to Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, Jumanne Muliro, who declared that the curfew would commence from 6:00 pm, though he did not specify when it is expected to be lifted. 

Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila echoed Muliro's orders, adding that the police would take action on those who sought to disrupt the country's peace. 

 "Even if you see there's propaganda of any kind on social media about any area of the Dar es Salaam region, know the power that will be used to control the matter is seven times more than the force applied for planning it," Chalamila noted. 

Further, a report from the BBC News Africa revealed that internet services were shut down, blocking the nation from accessing internet services during the polls. 

The election day was marked by demonstrations with opposition supporters taking to the streets over what they termed a 'one-sided election' and calling for election reforms following the detention of Opposition leader Tundu Lissu, forcing his party, CHADEMA, to boycott the votes. 

In response, police lobbed tear gas to disperse the protesters and tightened security in key cities such as Dar es Salaam. 

Further, voter turnout was low despite there being over 37 million registered voters, as many citizens stayed away from polling stations out of fear amid the running battles between the police and the protesters.

According to Tanzania's electoral commission, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the results are expected to be released within three days after the polls are closed.