‘Maintain peace, embrace dialogue’
ARUSHA: THE East African Community (EAC) Election Observation Mission has urged Tanzanians and all political actors to maintain peace, embrace dialogue and use lawful mechanisms to address any disputes following the 2025 General Election.
In its preliminary statement posted on the EAC Secretariat website on Wednesday, the mission, led by former Ugandan Vice-President Dr Speciosa Kazibwe, said peace and dialogue are the foundation of democratic stability, calling on all stakeholders to refrain from actions that could undermine national unity.
“The EAC Observer Mission urges all actors and stakeholders in the General Elections to continue to maintain peace and embrace dialogue and other peaceful means for resolving any disputes that may arise from electoral processes,” said Dr Kazibwe, who headed the 67-member delegation.
The EAC observers commended Tanzania for conducting largely calm and orderly campaigns, noting that political parties were able to hold rallies, door-to-door campaigns and media engagements without major incidents.
The team observed that the pre-election environment was generally peaceful and inclusive, with efforts made to accommodate women, youth and persons with disabilities throughout the process.
The mission reported that on voting day, most polling stations opened on time and that election materials were available in adequate quantities.
Polling officials were said to have handled procedures transparently, displaying empty ballot boxes before sealing them in the presence of agents and observers.
Security personnel were present at all polling centres visited by the observers and maintained a professional and discreet posture.
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“They did not interfere with the process nor intimidate voters,” the mission said in a statement.
The presence of party agents, domestic and international observers was also commended as a vital measure to promote transparency and trust.
The EAC mission noted that polling officials demonstrated competence and professionalism, particularly commending the inclusion of young people and women in managing the elections.
However, it also cited the incidents of violence that disrupted voting in parts of Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, forcing some observers to withdraw for safety reasons.
In most polling stations, closing and counting procedures were followed correctly, though observers could not monitor the process in some locations due to unrest.
In Zanzibar, the mission said, it witnessed orderly special voting.
While acknowledging the significant improvements in electoral administration, the mission encouraged INEC to adopt technology in future elections to enhance efficiency and transparency, as allowed under the amended electoral laws.
It also recommended the expansion of civic education programmes to raise awareness about citizens’ rights, electoral procedures, and the importance of participation especially among young voters.
“The mission strongly urges all stakeholders to maintain peace, exercise restraint and adopt dialogue and other peaceful means of resolving any disputes arising from the General Elections as provided for by law,” Dr Kazibwe
Meanwhile, the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) has commended Tanzania for its commendable efforts in preparing and managing the October 29th General Elections.
In its preliminary statement, the Mission noted that the country undertook extensive logistical preparations and embraced the use of technology to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the electoral process.
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The mission further applauded initiatives aimed at promoting the inclusion of marginalised groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, in the voting process. It observed that these efforts reflected Tanzania’s commitment to ensuring wider political participation and safeguarding the democratic rights of all citizens.
According to the AUEOM, the conduct of the elections was largely in line with the Constitution and relevant legal frameworks of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The mission urged continued efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and enhance future electoral processes in accordance with regional and international standards.
