A shocking report has emerged from the African Union's election observer mission, condemning the violent and controversial Tanzanian presidential election. The incumbent, Samia Suluhu Hassan, was re-elected with an astonishing 98% of the vote, while a tragic loss of life occurred during protests, with reports of hundreds killed.
The preliminary report, led by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, highlights a failure to meet democratic standards. It states that the elections did not adhere to the AU's principles and international obligations, creating an environment that was not conducive to a peaceful process or acceptance of the outcome. The electoral commission and other institutions were ill-equipped to handle the challenges, leading to a compromised integrity of the entire election process.
But here's where it gets controversial... Just days before this damning report, the African Union Commission chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, congratulated Hassan on her victory, expressing regret for the loss of life during the protests. This raises questions about the AU's stance and the timing of their statement.
Suluhu's second inauguration took place this week, marked by a tightly controlled ceremony at a military parade ground in Dodoma. The violent crackdown on protests post-election has been documented by NGO Human Rights Watch, who concluded that authorities responded with lethal force and abuses.
John Kitoka, from the opposition party Chadema, reported collecting information on up to 1,000 people killed by police and security forces. Human Rights Watch couldn't confirm these numbers but noted references to the fatalities from various international bodies.
The AU observer mission, while not directly addressing the killings, expressed regret for the loss of lives and observed a deteriorating electoral environment on election day. The morning started calmly, but violence erupted in various areas, with gunfire, road closures, and tyre burning. Observers faced security challenges, unable to return to their accommodations due to a sudden curfew.
And this is the part most people miss... The AU mission deployed 72 observers across Tanzania, visiting polling stations nationwide. They found low voter turnout, indicating a disconnect from the electoral process. Irregularities included ballot counts not tallying and ballot stuffing. Some stations lacked party agents or observers, allowing voters to cast multiple ballots without proper identification checks.
Observers were often asked to leave polling stations before the counting process concluded, and in some cases, they were only permitted to observe for five minutes. The mission also noted a total internet shutdown during the elections, which persisted until their departure. Media outlets were deregistered or banned, and journalists faced restrictive reporting guidelines, limiting press freedom and public access to information.
The mission concluded that the 2025 general elections lacked competitiveness due to opposition boycotts and disqualifications. They emphasized that elections without genuine competition and democratic principles lead to voter apathy and disengagement from political activities.
This report raises critical questions about the state of democracy and human rights in Tanzania. What are your thoughts on this controversial election? Do you think the AU's response was adequate, or should they have taken a stronger stance? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
