Commission of Inquiry given 42 more days to complete findings on General Elections’ unrest

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Appointing Authority has allowed a 42-day extension to the Commission of Inquiry investigating incidents of unrest that occurred during and after the October 2025 General Elections to complete its assignment.

According to a notice published in the Government Gazette, the extension takes effect from February 20, 2026, and requires the Commission to complete its work and submit its report on or before April 3, 2026.

The extension aims to allow sufficient time for the Commission to finalise investigations into disturbances linked to the October 29, 2025 General Election and to analyse the volume of evidence already collected.

The notice states that additional time will also enable individuals and institutions, both within and outside the country, who have information, evidence, or views to present them before the Commission, ensuring that no one is denied the opportunity to be heard.

Other reasons cited include the large volume and complexity of information gathered so far, as well as ongoing receipt of additional evidence, which requires detailed analysis.

The Commission has also found it necessary to engage experts from within and outside the country to conduct scientific investigations and digital forensic analysis of certain evidence due to the nature of the incidents under review.

Furthermore, the Commission has identified gaps in some of the information and exhibits collected to date, requiring additional evidence to substantiate specific matters under investigation.

The extension will also provide an opportunity for key stakeholders who, despite receiving more than one invitation, have yet to appear before the Commission.

These include some religious leaders, leaders of certain political parties, institutions, non-governmental organisations and individuals. Meanwhile, citizens continue to appear before the Commission to submit information, evidence and recommendations.

Following the extension, the Commission, through its Chairperson Justice Othman Chande, has urged members of the public to continue submitting evidence through previously announced channels, including in-person hearings, written submissions by post, email, SMS, the Commission’s official website and other social media platforms.

It also made a special appeal to invited religious leaders, political party leaders, representatives of institutions and NGOs, as well as individuals who have not yet appeared, to use the extended period to contribute to the ongoing inquiry for the benefit of the nation.

The notice further calls upon the public to continue cooperating with the Commission to enable it to complete its mandate.

As before, the Commission will continue to hold public hearings, except in cases where witnesses, for security reasons, request that their identities and testimonies remain confidential.

Under its original work plan, the Commission was required to submit its report within 90 days, on or before February 20, 2026. It began its mandate on November 20, 2025, shortly after being inaugurated by the President.