African Union observers determined Tanzania's October 2025 elections violated democratic norms, citing manipulated voting procedures, nationwide internet restrictions, and security force aggression against protesters. The monitoring team reported these actions undermined electoral credibility and prevented citizens from freely expressing their political choices.
Regional body SADC separately criticized the disqualification of major opposition parties before voting, creating unbalanced competitive conditions. President Samia Hassan secured nearly 98% of ballots after rivals Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo were barred from participating. International agencies documented lethal clashes between demonstrators and police in Dar es Salaam, with casualty figures disputed by authorities. UN experts previously reported over 200 enforced disappearances in Tanzania since 2019. Both AU and SADC urged Tanzanian officials to implement electoral reforms and investigate violence against civilians. Hassan attributed unrest to foreign agitators during her inauguration remarks. This marks SADC's first public election criticism since Zimbabwe's 2023 polls.
Regional body SADC separately criticized the disqualification of major opposition parties before voting, creating unbalanced competitive conditions. President Samia Hassan secured nearly 98% of ballots after rivals Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo were barred from participating. International agencies documented lethal clashes between demonstrators and police in Dar es Salaam, with casualty figures disputed by authorities. UN experts previously reported over 200 enforced disappearances in Tanzania since 2019. Both AU and SADC urged Tanzanian officials to implement electoral reforms and investigate violence against civilians. Hassan attributed unrest to foreign agitators during her inauguration remarks. This marks SADC's first public election criticism since Zimbabwe's 2023 polls.
