SADC Observers Criticize Tanzania's 2025 Elections, Citing Intimidation and Restrictions

DAR ES SALAAM – The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has released a preliminary report stating that Tanzania's 2025 general election fell short of democratic standards. The mission cited widespread intimidation, arrests, and internet restrictions as key factors that prevented citizens from freely exercising their democratic rights.

Preliminary Report Highlights Deficiencies

The SEOM, led by former Malawian Speaker Richard Msowoya, deployed 80 observers across 27 regions of Tanzania to monitor the electoral process. Their findings, detailed in a report released on November 3rd, point to a climate of fear and unequal playing field that undermined the integrity of the election.

Specific concerns raised by the SEOM include:

Harassment of SADC observers, including confiscation of passports and deletion of photographic evidence in the Tanga region. Low voter turnout, attributed in part to a climate of fear. Reports of police gunfire during the election period. Arrest of opposition leaders, including prominent figure Tundu Lissu. Dominance of the ruling party in state media. Restrictions on social media access. Constitutional barriers hindering the submission of election petitions.

Impact on Democratic Processes

The SEOM report emphasizes that these issues collectively created an environment where free and fair competition was severely compromised. The mission concluded that these factors contravened SADC's principles and guidelines governing democratic elections.

Historical Context and Regional Comparisons

Tanzania has historically been viewed as a relatively stable nation in East Africa. However, recent elections have faced increasing scrutiny regarding democratic practices. This report echoes concerns raised by international observers regarding the erosion of democratic space in several African nations. Dr. Imani Nkosi, a political analyst specializing in East African governance at the University of Nairobi, notes that "the Tanzanian election reflects a broader trend of democratic backsliding in the region, where ruling parties increasingly leverage state resources and restrictive laws to maintain power. This trend poses a significant threat to the consolidation of democracy across the continent."

Reactions and Implications

Despite the SEOM's critical assessment, many African leaders, including Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, congratulated President Samia Suluhu Hassan on her re-election. These congratulatory messages largely avoided addressing the reported irregularities and violence.

The SEOM’s findings have significant implications for Tanzania's international standing and its relationship with donor countries. Dr. Aisha Diallo, a senior research fellow at the African Governance Institute in Dakar, emphasizes that "the SADC report carries considerable weight, potentially influencing international aid flows and investment decisions. Donors are increasingly tying aid to good governance and democratic principles, and this report could trigger a reassessment of Tanzania's eligibility for certain forms of assistance."

Calls for Reform

The SEOM has called for sweeping reforms to strengthen democracy and promote gender equality in Tanzania. These reforms include addressing the dominance of the ruling party in state media, ensuring unrestricted access to social media, and removing constitutional barriers that limit the ability of citizens to challenge election results.

The report also urges Tanzanian authorities to investigate all allegations of violence and intimidation and to hold those responsible accountable. The long-term impact of the SEOM's report will depend on the willingness of the Tanzanian government to address the identified shortcomings and implement meaningful reforms to strengthen its democratic institutions.