SADC Observers Raise Concerns Over Tanzania's 2025 General Election

DAR ES SALAAM — The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) has released a preliminary report expressing serious concerns about the conduct of Tanzania's 2025 general election, stating that it fell short of the bloc's principles and guidelines for democratic elections.

The SEOM, led by former Malawian Speaker Richard Msowoya, cited instances of intimidation, arrests, internet shutdowns, and restrictions on media access as factors that significantly hindered citizens' ability to freely exercise their democratic rights. The report, released on November 3rd, paints a picture of an election marred by irregularities and a climate of fear.

Key Findings of the SEOM Report

The mission deployed 80 observers across 27 regions of Tanzania to monitor the electoral process. Their findings included:

Intimidation and Harassment: SEOM observers reported instances of harassment, including the confiscation of passports and the deletion of photographs in the Tanga region. Low Voter Turnout: A significant factor contributing to concerns about the election's legitimacy was the low voter turnout observed across various regions. Police Intervention and Arrests: Reports of police gunfire and the arrest of opposition leaders, including prominent figures like Tundu Lissu, created an atmosphere of fear and suppressed political competition. Media Bias and Restrictions: The SEOM noted the dominance of the ruling party in state media and restrictions on social media access, limiting the opposition's ability to reach voters. Constitutional Barriers: The report highlighted constitutional barriers that impede the submission of election petitions, hindering avenues for challenging the results.

Impact on Democratic Processes

The SEOM's report suggests that these factors collectively undermined the fairness and credibility of the election. The mission called for comprehensive reforms to strengthen democracy, promote gender equality, and ensure future elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.

Historical Context and Regional Implications

Tanzania has historically been regarded as a relatively stable democracy in East Africa. However, recent years have seen growing concerns about the shrinking of democratic space and increasing restrictions on political freedoms. The 2025 election was seen as a crucial test of the country's commitment to democratic principles.

Dr. Imani Nkrumah, a political analyst specializing in East African governance at the University of Nairobi, commented on the report's significance: "The SADC report is a serious indictment of Tanzania's electoral process. It raises questions about the country's democratic trajectory and could have implications for regional stability. SADC's stance is particularly important as it sets a precedent for holding member states accountable to democratic standards."

Reactions and Regional Dynamics

Despite the SEOM's critical assessment, many African leaders, including Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa, congratulated President Samia Suluhu Hassan on her re-election. This muted response from some regional leaders highlights the complex dynamics of inter-state relations and a reluctance to publicly criticize fellow heads of state.

Professor Adebayo Olufemi, a senior research fellow at the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies in Banjul, The Gambia, notes: "The tendency for African leaders to prioritize solidarity over holding each other accountable to democratic principles remains a significant challenge. The SADC report, while important, will only have a limited impact unless there is genuine political will within the region to enforce democratic standards."

Echoes of Past Concerns

The SEOM's report on Tanzania's 2025 election echoes similar concerns raised regarding Zimbabwe's 2023 election, further underscoring the challenges facing democratic governance in the Southern African region. Both reports highlight the need for sustained efforts to strengthen electoral institutions, promote media freedom, and ensure respect for human rights.

Looking Ahead

The SADC Electoral Observation Mission's preliminary report serves as a critical assessment of Tanzania's 2025 general election. The report's findings and recommendations present a significant opportunity for Tanzania to address the identified shortcomings and reaffirm its commitment to democratic governance. Whether the government will heed the call for reforms remains to be seen, but the report serves as a crucial benchmark for evaluating future electoral processes in the country.