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According to the main opposition party, approximately 700 civilians have reportedly died during 72 hours of election-related demonstrations in the East African nation.

Clashes Begins on Election Day

Unrest commenced on Wednesday over allegations that activists described as the stifling of the rival camp after the exclusion of prominent contenders from the presidential race.

Death Estimates Stated

An opposition spokesperson announced that numerous of people had been killed since the protests commenced.

"As we speak, the death toll in Dar es Salaam is around 350 and for another city it is more than 200. Combined with numbers from elsewhere across the country, the final count is approximately 700," the official said.

The spokesperson added that the death count could be even larger because killings may be taking place during a nighttime restriction that was enforced from Wednesday.

Further Accounts

• An security source reportedly mentioned there had been reports of over 500 deaths, "possibly 700-800 in the whole country."
• The human rights organization said it had received data that at least 100 civilians had been slain.
• Rival groups claimed their numbers had been collected by a network of activists going to clinics and medical centers and "counting the deceased."

Demands for Action

The opposition called for the administration to "halt targeting our protesters" and demanded a transitional administration to facilitate free and fair polls.

"Stop police brutality. Uphold the voice of the citizens which is fair elections," the official said.

Authorities Measures

Officials reacted by imposing a curfew. Internet disruption were also reported, with international observers reporting it was nationwide.

On Thursday, the military leader criticized the clashes and labeled the protesters "offenders". The official stated authorities would attempt to control the situation.

Global Reaction

The UN human rights office expressed it was "alarmed" by the deaths and injuries in the protests, mentioning it had gathered information that a minimum of 10 civilians had been slain by authorities.

The organization reported it had received trustworthy reports of casualties in the port city, in a northwestern region and an eastern area, with officials discharging gunfire and chemical irritants to disperse demonstrators.

Legal Opinion

A civil rights advocate remarked it was "unacceptable" for security agencies to employ violence, stating that the country's leader "ought to refrain from deploying the police against the people."

"The president must listen to the public. The mood of the country is that there was no election … We are unable to elect one candidate," the lawyer stated.