Demonstrations over Tanzania’s disputed election results entered a third day Friday, with hundreds of protesters clashing with police in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, prompting the deployment of the military and an internet shutdown.

The unrest began Wednesday after the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which has ruled Tanzania since independence in 1961, appeared set to extend its hold on power in elections that opposition groups called unfair. Major opposition candidates were barred from running, leaving President Samia Suluhu Hassan facing 16 lesser-known contenders.

In Zanzibar, where tensions are often high during elections, the electoral commission said incumbent President Hussein Mwinyi won with 78.8% of the vote. The opposition rejected the results, alleging “massive fraud,” and vowed to announce its next steps. Although the islands remained calm Friday, they were under heavy military presence, and ferry services—halted for two days—were expected to resume.

In Dar es Salaam, protesters torched vehicles, a gas station, and police posts as clashes escalated. Amnesty International reported at least two deaths from Wednesday’s violence, though authorities have not released casualty figures or detailed the extent of damage.

The protests have since spread nationwide, prompting the government to postpone the reopening of universities and colleges, which had been scheduled for Monday.

Army chief Gen. Jacob John Mkunda condemned the unrest and said the military would work alongside police to restore order.

Meanwhile, Tanzanians abroad have taken to X Spaces to discuss the situation and explore ways to support the demonstrators financially.

State television continues to broadcast results, while access to social media and news websites remains severely restricted.