Internet connectivity was severely disrupted across Tanzania on Wednesday as the nation went to the polls for a general election, a move that drew immediate condemnation from human rights and digital rights organizations.
Live network data from groups like Netblocks confirmed a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity, following reports from users of a significant internet slowdown. The disruption coincided with the opening of polls for the presidential, parliamentary, and local elections, leading to fears that the blockages were aimed at limiting information flow and public scrutiny of the voting process.
The disruption has primarily targeted social media and messaging services, platforms that are crucial for independent monitoring, disseminating real-time election results, and organizing political activity.
The outages echo similar actions taken by authorities during the 2020 General Elections, where social media sites like Twitter, WhatsApp, and Facebook were restricted. This year’s disruption comes amidst an already restrictive digital environment, with previous reports indicating authorities had blocked access to other platforms in the months leading up to the vote.
The decision to limit access to the internet and communication platforms has been sharply criticized by international advocacy groups. Organizations forming the global #KeepItOn coalition reiterated their appeal to the Tanzanian government to ensure unrestricted internet access, arguing that such shutdowns violate human rights and undermine democratic participation.
Rights groups stress that internet access is vital for citizens to exercise their freedom of expression, access critical information, and participate meaningfully in civic processes.
In recent years, the use of internet shutdowns during key political moments, particularly elections, has become a growing concern across the African continent.
The internet disruption is set against a backdrop of increasing political tension and a reported intensified crackdown on opposition and civic space in the run-up to the October 29th polls. The atmosphere has been characterized by human rights concerns, including reports of arbitrary arrests and the disqualification of major opposition candidates from the presidential race.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, seeking her first full term in office, belongs to the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has been in power since independence in 1961. With a low turnout anticipated and significant opposition figures absent from the ballot, analysts suggest the election is poised to extend the CCM’s long tenure.
The government has yet to issue an official statement on the cause of the widespread internet outages, leaving millions of Tanzanians struggling to communicate and access crucial information on election day.
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