AU observers land in Dar to oversee democratic, transparent elections

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has welcomed a team of the African Union (AU) observers coming to ensure the country’s implementation of democratic principles of justice, transparency, and freedom in the General Elections.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation,  Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, met with the Head of the African Union (AU) Election Observation Mission, and former President of the Republic of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, at the Ministry’s Sub-office in Dar es Salaam.

The meeting was held as part of preparations for Tanzania’s General Election scheduled for October 29, 2025, with the AU Mission in the country to observe and assess the implementation of democratic principles of justice, transparency, and freedom in the electoral process.

Speaking during the meeting, Minister Kombo stated that the Tanzanian government has made extensive preparations to ensure that the upcoming General Election is conducted peacefully, transparently, freely, and fairly.

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“We highly value the presence of the African Union Mission in our country, as it symbolizes regional solidarity and commitment to promoting democracy. Carrying out such a mission is a challenging task that requires substantial resources and dedication,” said Ambassador Kombo.

The Minister also recalled the achievements of the first phase of the preliminary election assessment conducted in June 2025, led by the Vice President of the Republic of South Africa, Dr. Pumzile Mlambo–Ngcuka, noting that the recommendations from that assessment have strengthened Tanzania’s preparations for the upcoming election.

Minister Kombo further reiterated the Government’s commitment to enhancing democracy and ensuring close cooperation with all election stakeholders.

He also highlighted that statistics show a 26.5 percent increase in the number of registered voters, adding that the Government has developed strategies for civic education, voter awareness campaigns, and partnerships with civil society organizations to encourage citizens’ active participation in the election.

“All these efforts are aimed at ensuring that the election is conducted accurately, fairly, and in a manner that reflects the true will of the people of Tanzania,” Minister Kombo concluded.