AU Observers Fault Tanzania’s 2025 Elections, Call for Urgent Reforms

Tanzania, 5 November 2025 - The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) has raised serious concerns over Tanzania’s 2025 General Elections, saying the polls failed to meet democratic standards and did not comply with African Union principles and international obligations.

In its preliminary report released on 5 November 2025, the mission, led by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, said the election “did not comply with AU principles and standards for democratic elections.”

The observers said the voting process was marked by irregularities, violence, and an internet shutdown that affected transparency.

The AU team of 72 observers was deployed across 17 regions in Tanzania and Zanzibar to monitor the vote held on 29 October 2025.

Their report paints a worrying picture of a nation still struggling with political reforms and public trust in its institutions.

According to the mission, the political environment before the election was already tense.

The main opposition party, Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), boycotted the polls after the government failed to implement key electoral changes.

Its leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested on treason charges, while ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential candidate was disqualified, leaving the ruling CCM party with little competition.

Observers said the electoral commission lacked independence, with senior public officers overseeing the process under the Prime Minister’s office.

They also documented cases of ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and restrictions on media and civil society.

The AU team noted that the six-day internet shutdown during and after voting severely disrupted information flow, making it hard for citizens and observers to follow the process or report incidents in real time.

Despite acknowledging some improvements, such as better logistics and efforts to include women, youth, and persons with disabilities, the AU concluded that the overall process was not free or fair.

The mission urged the Tanzanian government to urgently reform its constitution and electoral laws to allow fair competition and restore public confidence in future elections.

“Regular elections without genuine competition erode citizens’ trust,” the AU statement warned, calling for restraint by security forces and justice for those killed or injured in post-election protests.