African Union Observers Criticize Tanzania's Election Violence
The African Union's election observation team condemned the conduct of Tanzania's presidential election, which saw incumbent Samia Suluhu Hassan win with an apparent 98% of the vote amid reports of violence and hundreds of protestors killed.
Findings from the African Union Mission
Led by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, the mission released a preliminary report stating the elections:
- “Did not comply with AU principles, normative frameworks, and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.”
- Occurred in an environment not conducive to “peaceful conduct and the acceptance of outcomes.”
- Were overseen by an electoral commission and institutions deemed incapable of addressing electoral integrity challenges.
Key Issues Identified
- Failure of the legal framework to meet AU democratic norms and international standards.
- Non-implementation of reforms recommended in previous election observation missions.
- Interruption of the polling process in some regions of the country.
- An internet shutdown on election day and thereafter, which compromised election integrity.
“The legal framework’s failure to comply with some AU democratic norms and international standards for democratic elections, non-implementation of recommended reforms from previous election observation missions, the interruption of the polling process in some parts of the country, and the internet shutdown on election day and afterwards compromised the integrity of the 2025 Tanzania General Elections.”
The report highlights serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of Tanzania's electoral process in 2025.
Author's Summary
The African Union strongly criticized Tanzania's 2025 election, citing violence, flawed legal frameworks, and internet blackouts that undermined the democratic process.