Kenya's Human Rights Commission says Tanzania's electoral climate threatens democratic integrity ahead of voting on Wednesday. The group joined regional partners to condemn what they describe as systematic suppression of opposition voices, arbitrary detentions and media blackouts ahead of the polls.
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu faces treason charges after calling for electoral reforms, while his Chadema party is barred from competing in the election. International observers from Belgium, Sweden, Germany and Ireland have withdrawn from monitoring efforts, and foreign journalists cannot enter the country.
The commission warns that enforced disappearances and harassment of critics have escalated. Local media outlets have lost broadcasting licenses, while authorities have expanded police deployments beyond normal election security levels.
Rights groups urge East African Community institutions to enforce democratic standards across member states. The coalition argues that restricted press access prevents transparent vote monitoring and accountability measures from functioning properly.
Opposition leader Tundu Lissu faces treason charges after calling for electoral reforms, while his Chadema party is barred from competing in the election. International observers from Belgium, Sweden, Germany and Ireland have withdrawn from monitoring efforts, and foreign journalists cannot enter the country.
The commission warns that enforced disappearances and harassment of critics have escalated. Local media outlets have lost broadcasting licenses, while authorities have expanded police deployments beyond normal election security levels.
Rights groups urge East African Community institutions to enforce democratic standards across member states. The coalition argues that restricted press access prevents transparent vote monitoring and accountability measures from functioning properly.
