The European Parliament declared that Tanzania's election, held on Wednesday, October 29, cannot be deemed free or fair, as President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured victory amid accusations of systematic repression. The Brussels-based body cited harassment of opposition figures, limits on media freedom, and restrictions placed on independent monitors who attempted to observe the voting process. Parliament members condemned authorities for prosecuting opposition leader Tundu Lissu on treason charges and demanded his immediate release without conditions.
The statement argued that electoral fraud began months before voting commenced through the exclusion of opposition parties and the silencing of civic organizations. Senior lawmakers from the foreign affairs and human rights committees signed the declaration, warning that international silence amounts to complicity in the erosion of democracy. The assessment may influence future European Union cooperation with Tanzania on governance and development initiatives while pressuring regional bodies to address electoral standards.
The statement argued that electoral fraud began months before voting commenced through the exclusion of opposition parties and the silencing of civic organizations. Senior lawmakers from the foreign affairs and human rights committees signed the declaration, warning that international silence amounts to complicity in the erosion of democracy. The assessment may influence future European Union cooperation with Tanzania on governance and development initiatives while pressuring regional bodies to address electoral standards.
