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Per the main rival faction, about 700 civilians have allegedly died during a three-day period of poll-related demonstrations in Tanzania.

Unrest Begins on Voting Day

Uprisings started on Wednesday over what activists called the silencing of the rival camp after the exclusion of prominent hopefuls from the election contest.

Fatality Figures Claimed

An opposition spokesperson announced that numerous of people had been killed since the unrest began.

"Currently, the number of deaths in the port city is around 350 and for another city it is more than 200. Combined with estimates from elsewhere throughout the country, the final number is nearly 700," he remarked.

The spokesperson mentioned that the number could be significantly greater because killings might be occurring during a nighttime lockdown that was enforced from Wednesday.

Additional Estimates

• A official insider reportedly mentioned there had been accounts of more than 500 fatalities, "perhaps 700-800 in the nationwide."
• Amnesty International reported it had obtained information that a minimum of 100 civilians had been lost their lives.
• Rival groups asserted their figures had been compiled by a network of party members attending medical facilities and health clinics and "documenting fatalities."

Demands for Change

Rival officials called for the administration to "halt targeting our demonstrators" and demanded a interim government to enable just and transparent polls.

"Halt violence. Uphold the voice of the public which is electoral justice," the spokesperson said.

Authorities Reaction

The government reacted by implementing a restriction. Internet disruption were also reported, with international monitors stating it was across the nation.

On Thursday, the army chief condemned the clashes and called the activists "offenders". The official said law enforcement would try to manage the situation.

Global Concern

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said it was "worried" by the fatalities and harm in the protests, noting it had gathered reports that no fewer than 10 people had been killed by authorities.

The organization reported it had received reliable information of fatalities in Dar es Salaam, in a northwestern region and an eastern area, with law enforcement using gunfire and chemical irritants to break up protesters.

Legal Perspective

A human rights advocate stated it was "unjustified" for security agencies to resort to arms, adding that the country's president "should avoid using the police against the people."

"The president should pay attention to the public. The mood of the nation is that there was no election … The people are unable to elect a single contender," the lawyer stated.