The upcoming 2025 General Election in Tanzania is a pivotal moment, and the East African Community (EAC) Election Observation Mission has a clear message: peace and dialogue are paramount.
Led by former Ugandan Vice-President Dr. Speciosa Kazibwe, the EAC mission, as stated on the EAC Secretariat website, has strongly urged Tanzanians and all political players to prioritize peace, embrace dialogue, and utilize legal channels to address any potential disputes arising from the election. This call for calm is the cornerstone of democratic stability, and it's a message directed at everyone involved, from voters to political parties.
The EAC observers, a team of 67 members, recognized the largely peaceful and orderly campaigns, highlighting the ability of political parties to conduct rallies, door-to-door campaigns, and media engagements without major disruptions. This is a positive sign, indicating a generally inclusive pre-election environment where efforts were made to involve women, youth, and people with disabilities.
On election day, the mission observed that most polling stations opened on time, with sufficient election materials. Polling officials handled procedures transparently, displaying empty ballot boxes before sealing them in the presence of agents and observers. Security personnel maintained a professional and discreet presence, without interfering with voters.
The presence of party agents and both domestic and international observers was also praised as a crucial element in fostering transparency and trust. The EAC mission noted the competence and professionalism of polling officials, specifically commending the inclusion of young people and women in managing the elections. However, the mission also noted incidents of violence that disrupted voting in some areas, forcing some observers to withdraw for safety reasons. This is a crucial point.
Closing and counting procedures were generally followed correctly, though the observers couldn't monitor the process in certain locations due to unrest. In Zanzibar, the mission witnessed orderly special voting. The mission encouraged INEC to adopt technology in future elections to enhance efficiency and transparency, as allowed under the amended electoral laws. They also recommended expanding civic education programs to raise awareness about citizens’ rights and electoral procedures, especially among young voters.
Dr. Kazibwe emphasized the need for all stakeholders to maintain peace, exercise restraint, and embrace dialogue to resolve any election-related disputes. But here's where it gets controversial... The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) also commended Tanzania's efforts in preparing and managing the October 29th General Elections. The AUEOM applauded initiatives aimed at promoting the inclusion of marginalized groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, in the voting process. They observed that the elections were largely in line with the Constitution and relevant legal frameworks. The mission urged continued efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and enhance future electoral processes.
What do you think? Do you agree with the emphasis on peace and dialogue? Are there any aspects of the election process that you feel need more attention? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
