Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – The African Union (AU) has raised serious concerns about the conduct of Tanzania’s general elections held on October 29, 2025, saying the process did not fully meet international standards for free and fair elections. In a preliminary statement released on Tuesday, the AU mission highlighted irregularities that, in their view, compromised the credibility and transparency of the polls.
According to the AU observers, key issues included restricted access for opposition parties, alleged manipulation of ballots, and limitations placed on independent election monitors. These challenges, they noted, prevented the election from accurately reflecting the will of Tanzanian citizens.
“The electoral process had elements that fell short of the principles of transparency and inclusivity, which are essential for democratic governance,” the AU statement read. The mission called for immediate measures to address these shortcomings and to strengthen electoral integrity in future polls.
Despite the concerns, Tanzanian authorities have defended the conduct of the elections. Government officials have reiterated that the elections were conducted fairly and transparently, welcoming the AU mission’s findings as part of a broader effort to improve electoral systems in the country.
The elections took place amid a tense political environment following post-election protests reported between October 29 and November 1. While authorities successfully restored order, the demonstrations reflected underlying dissatisfaction with governance and political inclusivity, issues that the AU report also implicitly highlighted.
The AU’s assessment underscores the increasing regional and international attention on election integrity in Africa. Observers say that credible electoral processes are critical to strengthening democracy, fostering political stability, and maintaining public trust in governance.
With the AU’s recommendations now public, Tanzanian authorities face pressure to implement reforms that ensure future elections are conducted in full compliance with both national and international standards. The AU’s statement may also influence other regional organizations monitoring democratic practices across the continent.