The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania has alerted its staff to stay inside and out of harm’s way as unrest unfolds over the country’s general elections. In a formal advisory, embassy personnel were told to avoid large crowds, stay abreast of local news, and maintain discretion in movement. They were also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for real-time safety updates.

On election day, scenes of unrest erupted in parts of Dar es Salaam as protesters took to the streets denouncing perceived irregularities in the voting process. Many demonstrations targeted the ruling party’s dominance and the absence of serious challengers, following the opposition CHADEMA’s boycott over treason charges against its leader Tundu Lissu. Another potential contender, Luhaga Mpina from ACT-Wazalendo, was disqualified on legal grounds.

Protesters reportedly set bonfires on city roads, damaged public transport, and vandalized infrastructure as part of their push for electoral reforms. In response, police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds after warnings from Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila, who pledged that any disruption would be met with firm action.

Turnout has been unexpectedly low, with many voters citing security fears. Although 37 million Tanzanians were eligible to vote, preliminary reports suggest that many stayed home to avoid the volatile atmosphere surrounding polling stations.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, eyeing a second term under Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), remains the frontrunner, a position bolstered by the absence of strong opposition competition. The U.S. Embassy’s advisory underscores the tense mood in Tanzania as the country navigates a contentious electoral period.