AU observers say the October 29 election did not meet democratic standards. Report cites opposition boycott, ballot stuffing, internet shutdown, and protests.
The African Union Election Observation Mission has released a preliminary report stating that Tanzania’s October 29 general election did not meet expected democratic standards.
According to the mission, the political atmosphere before and during voting was not suitable for a peaceful, fair, and credible election. The main opposition party, Chadema, boycotted the polls after its leader, Tundu Lissu, faced treason charges and political restrictions. Another opposition candidate was also locked out due to technicalities.
The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which has governed Tanzania since independence, went on to claim a sweeping victory. Official tallies gave President Samia Suluhu Hassan 98% of the vote and almost full parliamentary control for CCM.
The AU observers reported that ballot stuffing took place in some polling stations. In several cases, voters were issued multiple ballot papers openly in front of officials.
The irregularities appeared mostly in stations where only the presidential ballot was in use.
“Most of these instances were noted in polling stations where only the presidential ballot box was set up,” the report stated.
On election day, protests broke out in Dar es Salaam and other towns. Demonstrators blocked roads and lit tyres, and gunfire was heard in some areas.
The government imposed a curfew without notice and shut down internet access nationwide for nearly a week, from October 29 until November 3.
Some AU observation teams were trapped by the curfew, while others were denied access to key vote-counting processes.
The AU described voter turnout as low, which it linked to the election boycott and general public mistrust. While the mission acknowledged improved logistical planning and the inclusion of prisoners and minority groups in voter registration, it noted broader systemic challenges.
Women secured around 32% of directly contested parliamentary seats, an improvement from 2020. However, youth and persons with disabilities still faced significant barriers, and representation in local government remained very low.
The AU has urged Tanzania to reform how its elections are managed.
Key recommendations include: An independent and transparent system for appointing election commissioners. Allowing independent candidates to contest elections. Allowing presidential results to be challenged in court.
“Tanzania should prioritise electoral and political reforms to address the root causes of its democratic and electoral challenges,” the mission said.
The AU also expressed sorrow over lives lost in post-election violence and called for investigations, urging security forces to use restraint.
The United States, the European Union, and several human rights organisations have raised similar worries. Washington described the situation as “gravely concerning,” while the EU encouraged dialogue and reform.
Meanwhile, Tanzania’s government maintains that the election was free and fair and has accused opposition groups of fueling tension.
