DAR ES SALAAM, November 5, 2025 – In a strongly worded preliminary report, the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) has declared that Tanzania’s recent general elections failed to meet continental and international standards for democratic elections, citing a restrictive political environment, violence, an internet shutdown, and serious irregularities on polling day.
The mission, led by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, concluded that the electoral process was marred by a lack of genuine competition, leading to voter apathy and ultimately compromising the integrity of the October 29 polls.
A Non-Competitive and Flawed Process
The AU report pinpointed the boycott by the main opposition party, CHADEMA, and the disqualification of the ACT-Wazalendo presidential candidate as key factors that created an uncompetitive environment dominated by the ruling CCM party.
Critically, the mission highlighted the government’s failure to implement crucial constitutional reforms ahead of the elections. These included reforms to allow independent candidates to run, to enable legal challenges to presidential results, and to establish a more independent electoral commission.
“Regular elections without genuine competition and adherence to democratic principles result in voter apathy and ultimately lead to citizens’ disengagement from political activities,” the report stated.
Election Day: Violence, Shutdown, and Irregularities
The Mission’s report detailed a dramatic deterioration on Election Day. Observers reported that a calm morning gave way to “violent protests, gunfire, road closures, and tyre burning” in several regions, including Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Mbeya.
The situation was exacerbated by a nationwide internet shutdown that began around 11:00 a.m., which the AUEOM said hindered communication and transparency. Furthermore, a sudden, unannounced curfew left some AU observers stranded and forced to seek shelter in private homes.
During voting, the Mission observed critically low voter turnout. More alarmingly, observers reported several serious irregularities, including:
· Voters being issued multiple ballots in full view of observers.
· Instances of ballot stuffing.
· A lack of party agents at stations with only presidential ballots.
· Observers being asked to leave polling stations before the counting process was concluded.
Commendations Overshadowed by Critical Failings
While the AU Observers acknowledged some positive efforts, such as logistical preparations by the electoral commission and measures to include marginalized groups as voters, these were overshadowed by the fundamental flaws identified.
The report also criticized biased state media coverage in favour of the ruling party, restrictive laws governing the media and civil society, and a lack of transparency in the management of early voting in Zanzibar.
A Call for Restraint and Urgent Reform
The Mission expressed regret for the loss of lives and damage to property during the post-election protests and urged security forces to exercise restraint and respect human rights.
The final conclusion was unequivocal. The AUEOM stated that the elections “did not comply with AU principles” and the environment was “not conducive to peaceful conduct and acceptance of electoral outcomes.”
Consequently, the head of the mission, former President Masisi, called for Tanzania to “prioritise electoral and political reforms to address the root causes of its democratic and electoral challenges.” A final, more detailed report from the African Union is expected within two months.
