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Based on the main opposition party, about 700 citizens have reportedly been killed during three days of poll-related demonstrations in Tanzania.

Violence Erupts on Polling Day

Protests broke out on Wednesday over allegations that protesters called the suppression of the opposition after the removal of key hopefuls from the presidential ballot.

Casualty Numbers Stated

An rival official claimed that hundreds of civilians had been lost their lives since the protests commenced.

"Currently, the death toll in Dar es Salaam is nearly 350 and for another city it is 200-plus. Including estimates from elsewhere throughout the country, the total figure is about 700," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson noted that the death count could be even larger because killings could be taking place during a night-time curfew that was enforced from election day.

Additional Estimates

• A security insider allegedly claimed there had been reports of over 500 dead, "maybe 700-800 in the whole country."
• The human rights organization said it had received information that at least 100 people had been killed.
• The opposition asserted their figures had been gathered by a network of party members going to clinics and health clinics and "tallying fatalities."

Demands for Intervention

Rival officials called for the administration to "stop killing our protesters" and demanded a transitional administration to pave the way for just and transparent votes.

"Stop violence. Honor the voice of the public which is electoral justice," the official said.

Authorities Reaction

The government reacted by enforcing a restriction. Online restrictions were also reported, with global monitors stating it was countrywide.

The following day, the military leader denounced the unrest and labeled the protesters "lawbreakers". He stated law enforcement would attempt to contain the crisis.

Global Concern

United Nations human rights office said it was "alarmed" by the fatalities and harm in the demonstrations, adding it had gathered accounts that no fewer than 10 civilians had been lost their lives by security forces.

The organization reported it had received credible accounts of fatalities in Dar es Salaam, in a northwestern region and Morogoro, with officials firing live ammunition and chemical irritants to scatter demonstrators.

Expert Opinion

A human rights attorney remarked it was "unacceptable" for authorities to use force, noting that the country's leader "should refrain from sending the police against the people."

"She needs to listen to the people. The mood of the country is that there was no fair vote … The people cannot choose a single contender," the advocate said.