Ruto Questions Tanzania’s 96% Election Win, Says ‘Such Numbers Don’t Exist in a Democracy’
He emphasized that democracy, though imperfect, remains the best form of governance and urged African leaders to embrace openness and tolerance for dissenting views instead of resorting to violence
President William Ruto has maintained a cautious stance on Tanzania’s disputed election that saw President Samia Suluhu re-elected with a landslide victory amid violent protests
Speaking to Al Jazeera during the United Nations Second World Summit for Social Development (WSSD2) in Qatar, Ruto said he would not interfere in Tanzania’s political affairs but questioned the credibility of the results
“It’s not for me to judge Tanzania. In a democracy, for example, in Kenya, you can never get 96%. Every country has a way of doing its stuff. But I think democracy is the best governance system,” Ruto said
He emphasized that democracy, though imperfect, remains the best form of governance and urged African leaders to embrace openness and tolerance for dissenting views instead of resorting to violence
“We must give ourselves the opportunity to listen to alternative views without injecting violence into the equation,” he added
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on November 1 that President Samia won with 97.66% of the votes 31,913,866 out of 32,678,844 sparking widespread unrest
Human rights groups report over 1,000 deaths linked to post-election violence, though the Tanzanian government disputes the figures
Opposition party CHADEMA has condemned the election as fraudulent, with several of its leaders, including Deputy Secretary General Amani Golugwa, arrested
Former Botswana President Ian Khama also dismissed Samia’s win, describing her as “an illegitimate president” during a forum at Lukenya University in Makueni County
Also read : Ruto Defends “Shoot in the Leg” Directive, Says Police Have Right to Use Force
The violence has also affected foreign nationals, with Kenyan teacher John Okoth Ogutu, 33, confirmed among those killed. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said Kenya is working with Tanzanian authorities to investigate his death
Meanwhile, the Pentecostal Voice of Kenya has urged the Kenyan government to intervene diplomatically to protect its citizens in Tanzania and condemn the ongoing brutality
As protests continue and dozens face treason charges, international concern mounts over Tanzania’s democratic future and human rights record
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
