Millions of Tanzanians are currently cut off from standard internet access. This major communication failure coincides with ongoing protests against President Samia Suluhu.
The global connectivity tracker, NetBlocks, has officially verified the disruption.
“Live network data show a nationwide disruption to internet connectivity in #Tanzania on election day, corroborating reports of a digital blackout.”
The loss of standard internet access is affecting the ability of citizens, journalists, and observers to share and receive real-time information as voting takes place.
The internet outage occurs amidst a volatile political environment on election day.
Protesters are attempting to block voting in certain locations. Reports indicate the unrest has led to physical damage at polling sites.
Several polling stations have allegedly been vandalised and ballot papers were reportedly scattered in some areas.
According to rights groups, opposition activists, and local media, the demonstrations are largely a reaction to a sustained crackdown in the lead-up to the election.
Concerns centre on an environment that has allegedly narrowed the political space for dissent. This includes the arrests of opposition figures, reports of disappearances and the use of legal barriers to sideline opponents.
The pre-election climate has been described by some observers as one of fear and intimidation, intensifying the focus on the current unrest and the integrity of the vote.
