Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in for a second term amid tight security, following an election marred by violent protests and opposition rejection.

The inauguration ceremony was held at a military parade grounds in the capital, Dodoma today. 

Samia was declared the winner on Saturday with 98 per cent of the vote, after several opposition leaders were either jailed or barred from contesting election.

In her victory speech, Samia said the poll was free and democratic and described the protesters as unpatriotic. International observers have raised concerns over the transparency of the election and reports of violence that left hundread of people killed and injured.

Earlier, the UN human rights office said that there were credible reports of at least 10 deaths in three cities.