What to know about key political figures in Tanzania after deadly election violence

Tanzania is reeling from violence surrounding elections on Oct. 29 that some international observers say fell short of a free and fair vote.

Authorities face questions over the death toll after security forces tried to quell riots and opposition protests in the East African country. Leading opposition party Chadema has asserted that hundreds were killed.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who took office in 2021 after the death of her predecessor, took more than 97% of the vote, according to an official tally. Her main rivals, Tundu Lissu of Chadema and Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, were barred from running in what rights groups have called a climate of repression. There were enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings, according to Amnesty International. Tanzania’s government has denied it.

While Hassan is the main subject of anger in Tanzania, critics have asserted that others share the blame, claiming that Africa’s only female head