All articles tagged with #election violence
During Tanzania's recent elections, police targeted civilians far from protests, resulting in at least 13 deaths in Mwanza and an estimated 700 extrajudicial killings nationwide, amid allegations of deliberate violence against opposition supporters and a crackdown on dissent, raising serious human rights concerns.
Following Tanzania's controversial election, at least 240 individuals, including prominent figures and social media influencers, have been charged with treason amid violent protests and a crackdown that has raised concerns over human rights and safety, especially for Kenyans in Tanzania. The government claims the election was fair, but opposition and international observers criticize it as undemocratic, with ongoing tensions affecting diplomatic relations with Kenya.
Tanzanian opposition alleges police disposed of hundreds of bodies following post-election protests, with documented deaths reaching 2,000, amid government denial and international concern over violence and suppression.
Following Tanzania's recent election, opposition parties allege security forces are secretly dumping bodies of hundreds killed during protests, with reports of over 1,000 deaths and a crackdown on dissent, raising concerns about election credibility and human rights violations.
The risk of election-related violence in the US is real, with incidents like machete-wielding intimidation and arson of ballot boxes already occurring. While fears of a civil war are exaggerated, significant numbers of Americans support political violence, particularly among Republicans. Preparations for potential unrest are underway, with increased security measures at polling stations and election offices. Despite these efforts, isolated violent incidents are expected, and the rhetoric from political leaders like Donald Trump may exacerbate tensions.
Heinrich Koch, a local candidate for Germany's right-wing AfD party, was injured in a knife attack in Mannheim, the second such incident in days. The suspect, showing signs of mental illness, was detained and taken to a psychiatric hospital. The attack comes amid a surge in assaults on politicians ahead of upcoming elections.
A candidate for Germany's far-right AfD party, Heinrich Koch, was stabbed in Mannheim while confronting individuals tearing down party posters. The attack left Koch with non-life-threatening injuries, and a 25-year-old suspect was arrested and taken to a psychiatric clinic. The incident follows a recent surge in violence against politicians in Germany, prompting calls for calm and condemnation from various political figures.
Mexican mayoral candidate Alfredo Cabrera was assassinated at a campaign rally in Coyuca de Benitez, Guerrero, when a gunman shot him in the back of the head at point-blank range. Cabrera, a member of an opposition coalition, was killed in front of hundreds of supporters. Authorities are still searching for the killer, and this incident marks the 36th murder of a candidate during Mexico's 2024 election cycle.
Two mayoral candidates in the Mexican city of Maravatio were shot dead within hours of each other, highlighting the escalating violence ahead of the June 2 election, which experts warn could be the country’s most violent on record. The killings underscore the threat posed by drug cartels, with the Jalisco New Generation cartel and a local gang, the Viagras, engaged in turf wars in the western state of Michoacan. Observers fear that organized crime will increasingly intervene in local elections in 2024, as cartels seek to expand their influence beyond drugs by extorting protection payments from businesses and local governments.
Two mayoral candidates in the Mexican city of Maravatio were shot dead within hours of each other, highlighting the escalating violence ahead of the June 2 election, which experts warn could be the country’s most violent on record. The killings underscore the threat posed by drug cartels, with the state of Michoacan particularly hard hit by gang turf wars. The violence reflects a broader trend of organized crime increasingly intervening in local elections, as cartels seek to expand their influence beyond drug trafficking by extorting protection payments from local businesses and governments.
Demetrio Trujillo pleaded guilty to helping a failed Republican candidate, Solomon Peña, carry out drive-by shootings at the homes of Democratic officials in New Mexico. Trujillo admitted to being paid by Peña to intimidate former election candidates by shooting at their residences. Peña, who lost the election and refused to acknowledge his defeat, denies the charges and is set to stand trial in June. The case raises concerns about political violence in the US, with Peña's actions possibly influenced by former president Donald Trump's false claims of election fraud.
Two candidates running for parliament in the Democratic Republic of Congo's upcoming general election were killed in separate incidents, raising concerns about electoral violence undermining the vote. The violence comes amidst other issues such as illegible voter cards, blocked campaign planes, and electoral list delays, which threaten the legitimacy of the results. Human Rights Watch has documented clashes between supporters of rival political parties, resulting in assaults, sexual violence, and at least one death. The violence is reported to be coming from both supporters of the ruling coalition and opposition parties. Additionally, an attack on a village in Ituri province, unrelated to the election, resulted in the decapitation of at least 11 civilians, with the Islamic State-affiliated Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) being blamed for the attack.
Incumbent Julius Maada Bio is leading the Sierra Leone presidential election with 56% of the vote, while his closest rival Samura Kamara has 42%. The election has been marred by violence, with supporters of both parties accused of attacking opponents. The electoral commission has defended the transparency of the voting and counting process, but the APC has expressed concerns. The winner must secure 55% of the votes cast, otherwise a run-off will be held between the two candidates with the highest number of votes.