Tanzania has cancelled next month's independence day celebrations, with the funds to be instead spent on rebuilding infrastructure damaged in recent election unrest, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has said. His announcement comes as the opposition and others have been calling for people to gather on independence day - 9 December - to demonstrate about killings that took place following last month's disputed poll. The opposition believes hundreds of people died in the crackdown. The government has yet to give a death toll and has set up a commission of inquiry. President Samia Suluhu Hassan won the poll with 98% of the vote, described by the opposition as a 'mockery of democracy.' Her key opponents were unable to contest the poll due to various legal challenges. Election observers reported signs that the vote was manipulated and fell short of democratic standards. The government had imposed an internet blackout for five days from the election day and threatened anyone sharing photos from the protests. Gruesome images and videos of dead Tanzanians have since been widely shared online, prompting international media attention. However, the government criticized these portrayals as aimed at tarnishing the country's image, insisting that Tanzania remains safe. Amidst growing tensions, the government urged for discussion and dialogue to overcome these challenges. President Samia became Tanzania's first female president in 2021 but has faced scrutiny over recent political developments.