Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has rejected the re-election of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

In a statement, Clark said no electoral result showing 98% support can be considered credible.

She explained that key opposition figures were detained in Tanzania, and reports indicate cases of pre-election violence and killings by security forces after the vote.

“No electoral result reported at 98% is credible. In this case in Tanzania, key opposition figures were detained, there was pre-election violence, & since the election 100s of people are reported to have been killed by security forces. These are desperate days for Tanzania,” Clark said.

Clark, who served as New Zealand’s prime minister from 1999 to 2008 and later headed the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has been a vocal advocate for democracy and governance across Africa.

Her statement adds to growing global pressure on Tanzanian authorities to ensure transparency, accountability, and protection of political freedoms.

Her comments come amid widespread reports of violence and arrests following the disputed vote, which opposition parties have dismissed as a “sham election.”

International human rights groups have also expressed concern, citing alleged use of excessive force by security agencies and a nationwide crackdown on protesters.

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