Approximately 700 Allegedly Perish in Tanzanian Election Unrest, Rival States

As per the main rival party, about 700 individuals have reportedly perished during three days of poll-related demonstrations in the East African nation.

Clashes Erupts on Election Day

Demonstrations commenced on Wednesday over claims that activists labeled the silencing of the opposition after the disqualification of key hopefuls from the presidential ballot.

Casualty Figures Reported

An rival spokesperson declared that scores of individuals had been slain since the demonstrations started.

"As we speak, the number of deaths in Dar es Salaam is approximately 350 and for another city it is 200-plus. Combined with estimates from elsewhere across the nation, the overall figure is nearly 700," the official stated.

He noted that the toll could be much higher because deaths might be taking place during a night-time restriction that was implemented from Wednesday.

Additional Reports

• An official source allegedly stated there had been information of more than 500 deaths, "perhaps 700-800 in the nationwide."
• The human rights organization said it had gathered reports that at least 100 civilians had been lost their lives.
• Rival groups stated their numbers had been compiled by a group of supporters visiting medical facilities and medical centers and "documenting the deceased."

Demands for Change

Rival officials called for the authorities to "cease killing our protesters" and requested a interim administration to facilitate just and transparent polls.

"End excessive force. Respect the choice of the public which is democratic rights," the official stated.

Authorities Response

Authorities reacted by imposing a lockdown. Web outages were also reported, with global observers stating it was across the nation.

The following day, the military leader condemned the violence and referred to the activists "offenders". The official said law enforcement would seek to contain the crisis.

International Concern

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said it was "deeply concerned" by the casualties in the protests, noting it had gathered information that a minimum of 10 people had been slain by security forces.

The office stated it had obtained trustworthy information of deaths in the port city, in a northwestern region and an eastern area, with security forces firing gunfire and teargas to scatter crowds.

Expert View

An human rights advocate stated it was "unreasonable" for security agencies to resort to arms, adding that the country's leader "should avoid using the law enforcement against the civilians."

"The president must listen to the people. The sentiment of the country is that there was no election … The people are unable to elect only one option," the advocate commented.