Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has secured a landslide victory in the country’s general election, claiming 97.66 percent of the vote, according to results released by the National Electoral Commission on Saturday.

The outcome, announced on state television, follows a tense and violent election period marked by widespread arrests, protests, and reports of deadly clashes. State media said a swift swearing-in ceremony would be held later on Saturday.

The main opposition party, Chadema, accused security forces of killing hundreds of civilians since protests erupted on election day, Wednesday. The party’s spokesman told AFP that approximately 700 people were killed based on data gathered from hospitals and clinics.

The United Nations expressed concern over “reports of deaths and injuries,” urging restraint and accountability. However, government officials dismissed the claims, with Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo telling Al Jazeera there were “no figures” on casualties and denying that “excessive force” was used.

Authorities have imposed a nationwide curfew, restricted media coverage, and shut down internet access, making independent verification of the death toll and events nearly impossible.

Rights groups have condemned the election as deeply flawed, citing intimidation, abductions, and arrests of opposition figures in the days leading up to the vote. Chadema was barred from fielding candidates, and its leader remains in detention on treason charges.

Critics have also accused the president’s son, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, of orchestrating parts of the crackdown on protesters and political opponents.

Army chief Gen. Jacob Mkunda on Thursday described the demonstrators as “criminals” and pledged the military’s “total loyalty” to the president.

Despite international concern, Hassan’s government has maintained that the election was “peaceful and credible.”