(3 Minutes Read)
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has issued a sharply critical preliminary report on Tanzania’s 2025 general elections, declaring that the polls failed to meet the essential benchmarks of democratic integrity set out in the Revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.
Presenting the assessment in Dar es Salaam, Right Honourable Richard Msowoya — former Speaker of Malawi’s Parliament and head of SEOM — described a troubling picture of electoral administration, political freedoms, and civic participation in one of East Africa’s most strategically significant nations.
Although the Mission commended the generally peaceful atmosphere on polling days — 28 October for Zanzibar’s security forces and 29 October for the general electorate — it warned that these calm masked deeper problems. Beneath the surface, SEOM found widespread intimidation, arbitrary arrests, restricted media access, and severe legal barriers constraining opposition candidates and electoral accountability. The detention of leading opposition figure Tundu Lissu on treason charges and the disqualification of ACT-Wazalendo’s Luhaga Mpina were cited as emblematic of a broader effort to marginalize dissent and undermine multiparty competition.
Observers themselves reportedly faced intimidation and obstruction. Despite holding official accreditation, several SEOM members were denied access to electoral officials, interrogated by security forces, and forced to delete photographs from their devices. In Tanga Town, some were even detained and had their passports confiscated — actions SEOM described as clear violations of SADC’s own standards for observer access and protection.
While the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) were deemed technically prepared, SEOM raised serious doubts about their independence. Both bodies’ members are appointed by the President — who is also a candidate and leader of the ruling party — creating what the report called “an inherent conflict of interest” that compromises institutional neutrality.
The Mission also highlighted constitutional provisions that erode electoral accountability. Article 41(7), which forbids legal challenges to presidential election results, and Article 74(12), which bars courts from reviewing electoral commission actions, were both criticized as incompatible with democratic transparency. The continued exclusion of independent candidates was likewise viewed as limiting citizens’ political choices.
Media access emerged as another major concern. Despite formal commitments to provide equitable coverage, state broadcasters overwhelmingly favoured the ruling party, while private outlets reportedly engaged in self-censorship to avoid sanctions. Internet restrictions, including a major shutdown on Election Day, further impeded communication, political discourse, and the work of election monitors.
SEOM also recorded unusually low voter turnout in many regions, with some polling stations virtually empty. Observers linked this to public fear, mistrust in the process, and structural barriers to participation. Allegations of ballot irregularities — including pre-filled ballots and improper sealing — further undermined confidence in the outcome.
Although polling stations were generally well-organized and accessible, these administrative successes were overshadowed by overarching concerns about credibility and fairness. In conclusion, SEOM stated that Tanzania’s elections did not satisfy the expectations of openness, transparency, and inclusiveness set by the SADC framework. While the Mission’s final report will follow within 30 days, its preliminary findings deliver a clear warning: Tanzania’s democratic institutions are under strain, and the country’s commitment to genuine electoral reform remains uncertain.
Read Also;
The Mission urged Tanzanian authorities to pursue inclusive constitutional and legal reforms, ensure equitable participation of all citizens — especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities — and guarantee media freedom alongside unrestricted access for domestic and international observers. It also appealed to citizens to remain peaceful and use lawful channels to resolve disputes.
