The African Union’s election observers have declared that Tanzania’s 2025 general elections “did not comply with AU principles and standards for democratic elections,” citing widespread irregularities, restrictions on observers, and a six-day internet shutdown that disrupted transparency.
The preliminary report by the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), led by former Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi, paints a grim picture of an election marred by violence, ballot manipulation, and limited access for monitors.
“The 2025 Tanzania General Elections did not comply with AU principles, normative frameworks, and international obligations and standards for democratic elections,” the mission said in its statement issued on November 5.
The AU deployed 72 observers across 17 regions to monitor the October 29 vote. But many were unable to complete their work after protests, gunfire, and a sudden curfew forced them to abandon observation posts.
The observers reported serious irregularities at several polling stations, including voters being allowed to cast ballots without their identities being checked and others being issued multiple ballot papers in full view of observers.
In some locations, polling officials restricted AU observers to just five minutes of observation, while in others, observers were asked to leave before vote counting concluded — a move the mission said violated basic transparency standards.
“The Mission also observed some ballot stuffing at several polling stations, where voters were issued multiple ballots to vote, compromising election integrity,” the report said.
The AU mission said its work was hampered by a total internet shutdown that began around 11 a.m. on election day and lasted until after the mission’s departure on November 3. The blackout, coupled with the unannounced curfew, left some observers stranded and forced to seek shelter in private homes.
The mission said the election environment was uncompetitive, following the arrest of opposition leaders, including CHADEMA chairperson Tundu Lissu, and the disqualification of the ACT-Wazalendo presidential candidate.
It also expressed concern over reports of police and military violence during and after the election, noting that lives were lost in post-election protests.
“The Mission regrets the loss of lives following election day protests… and urges security institutions to exercise restraint and respect human rights,” the AU said.
While commending Tanzania for logistical preparations and efforts to include women and persons with disabilities, the AU mission said the broader legal and political environment undermined electoral integrity.
It called on the Tanzanian government to undertake urgent electoral and constitutional reforms, including changes to allow presidential results to be challenged in court and to ensure an independent electoral commission.
“Tanzania should prioritise electoral and political reforms to address the root causes of its democratic and electoral challenges,” the mission said.
A final AU report with detailed findings and recommendations will be published within two months.
