Nairobi — The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Election Observer Mission has raised concerns about Tanzania’s 2025 general election, citing a lack of transparency, intimidation of opposition leaders, and restricted freedoms. In its preliminary report, the mission said the election fell short of the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, the benchmark for free, fair and credible polls among member states.
The mission, led by former Malawi Speaker of Parliament Richard Msowoya, noted that while voting day was largely peaceful, voters were unable to freely express their democratic will in most areas. It highlighted the systematic exclusion of opposition candidates through arrests, disqualifications and intimidation, including the detention of opposition leader Tundu Lissu on treason charges. These actions, the mission argued, undermine Tanzania’s multiparty democracy and discourage voter participation.
The observers also raised concerns about internet shutdowns, media censorship and restricted access for international observers during the polls. Some mission members were reportedly interrogated by security forces, forced to delete photos and temporarily had their travel documents confiscated. The mission criticized constitutional provisions that bar courts from challenging presidential election results or decisions made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), calling them obstacles to transparency and accountability.
The report questioned the independence of the electoral commission, noting that its members are appointed by the president, who also serves as chairperson of the ruling party and was a candidate in the election. Observers reported low voter turnout, with some polling stations deserted, attributing this to “widespread fear and disillusionment” amid arrests, curfews and a heavy security presence.
The mission urged the government to pursue comprehensive reforms, including allowing independent candidates, enabling judicial review of presidential election results, guaranteeing the protection of election observers, and enhancing gender and youth inclusion in politics. The report was released on the same day President Samia Suluhu Hassan was sworn in for a second term at a military base in Dodoma, breaking with Tanzania’s long‑standing tradition of public inaugurations. The ceremony was closed to the public and held under tight security, accompanied by a nationwide internet blackout, curfews and reports of protests and killings in several cities.
Comments are closed for this story.