A grim report by the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) has exposed widespread irregularities in Tanzania’s recently concluded—and hotly disputed—general elections, painting a disturbing picture of a process riddled with manipulation and intimidation.
The AU mission, deployed to observe the October 2025 polls, concluded that the elections “did not comply with AU principles and standards for democratic elections”, citing serious breaches that call into question the legitimacy of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s resounding victory and her party CCM’s commanding parliamentary majority.
The observers detailed a litany of malpractices, including ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, internet blackouts, and the abduction of opposition supporters, all of which they said compromised the transparency and credibility of the polls.
“The mission noted several instances where voters were issued multiple ballots, while others cast their votes without any form of identification,” the AU report stated, adding that voter apathy was widespread, with many citizens staying away from polling stations amid fear and disillusionment.
Internet Blackout and Media Gagging
In one of its harshest criticisms, the AU mission faulted the Tanzanian government for shutting down the internet and restricting media freedom during critical stages of voting, counting, and tallying.
Observers said the blackout made it nearly impossible to verify results or communicate irregularities, deepening suspicions of state interference.
“The lack of transparency in the counting process, where ballot counts often failed to tally, severely undermined public confidence,” the report added.
Echoes of the SADC Report
The AU’s findings mirror a scathing assessment by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which earlier flagged similar irregularities, including low voter turnout and ballot tampering.
Both missions concluded that the election fell short of regional and international standards governing democratic elections.
Civil Society Outcry
Local watchdogs, including the Human Rights Defenders of Tanzania and the Tanganyika Law Society, have also condemned the election’s conduct, highlighting killings of civilians, arbitrary arrests, destruction of property, and police brutality during and after the voting period.
They have called for an immediate halt to the crackdown on dissenting voices and urged the government to restore civil liberties and uphold constitutional rights.
A Nation in the Spotlight
President Suluhu’s administration has yet to issue a formal response to the AU’s preliminary findings. However, analysts warn that the damning report could strain Tanzania’s diplomatic relations and jeopardize its standing within the regional bloc.
As calls for accountability grow louder, the spotlight now turns to Dodoma, where the government faces mounting pressure to address the allegations—or risk further isolation on the continental stage.
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