AU Observers Say Tanzania Election Failed to Meet Democratic Standards

AU observers say Tanzania’s election fell short of democratic standards, citing ballot-stuffing, internet shutdowns, detentions and transparency failures (image source)

DAR ES SALAAM — The African Union’s election observation mission has concluded that Tanzania’s recent general election did not meet the bloc’s democratic principles and fell short of international standards. In a preliminary report released Wednesday, the mission said widespread irregularities undermined the credibility of the October 29 vote.

Observers deployed across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar documented multiple incidents of ballot-stuffing, the absence of party agents during voting and counting, and cases where observers and agents were ordered to leave counting stations. These violations, the mission said, significantly compromised transparency and weakened public confidence in the results.

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The AU report also highlighted the government-imposed internet shutdown during the electoral period as a major barrier to a free and verifiable process. Coupled with media restrictions and reports of opposition supporters and leaders being detained before and after polling day, the conditions created an environment that the mission said was not conducive to peaceful participation or acceptance of the outcomes.

Tanzania’s electoral commission declared the incumbent president the winner by a wide margin, prompting strong criticism from opposition parties and civil-society groups who denounced the vote as neither free nor fair. Protests erupted in several cities following the announcement and were reportedly met with heavy security responses, including excessive force and arrests. Allegations of politically motivated abductions and heavy-handed policing further deepened mistrust and heightened tensions nationwide.

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While acknowledging that logistical arrangements enabled broad voter participation in some areas, the AU mission stressed that strong technical planning cannot compensate for restrictions on political pluralism, civil liberties and competitive campaigning. The observers urged Tanzanian authorities to address the shortcomings identified, guarantee fundamental freedoms and ensure that any imposed restrictions remain legal, proportionate and time-limited.

The AU’s findings echo concerns raised by other observer teams and rights organisations. Diplomats and international partners have urged calm, restraint and dialogue, and some have called for independent investigations into reported abuses and a transparent review of the electoral process.

The government has defended the election, saying security measures were necessary to maintain order and that the results reflect the will of the people. The electoral commission has stood by its tally. However, observers and local stakeholders agreed that restoring public trust will require fully transparent investigations, accountability for violations, and reforms to strengthen democratic institutions ahead of future polls.