ARUSHA, Tanzania — The East African Community (EAC) has deployed a 67-member Election Observation Mission (EOM) to the United Republic of Tanzania ahead of the country’s general elections set for October 29.
The mission, officially flagged off Thursday at the EAC headquarters in Arusha, follows an invitation by the Tanzanian government and is part of the EAC Council of Ministers’ directive that the regional bloc observe elections in all partner states.
Former Ugandan Vice President Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe is leading the team. She is also a former UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa.
“As a Community founded on the principles of good governance, rule of law, and respect for human rights, the EAC considers credible elections a cornerstone of democracy and regional integration,” Dr. Kazibwe said during the flag-off.
The team includes members of the East African Legislative Assembly, national electoral commissions, human rights bodies, civil society and the EAC Secretariat. They will be deployed across Tanzania to assess the pre-election environment, polling day operations and results management.
“Their mandate is to evaluate the elections in line with national laws, the EAC Principles for Election Observation and Evaluation, and relevant international standards,” Kazibwe added.
Heightened scrutiny ahead of the vote
The EAC mission arrives amid growing international attention on Tanzania’s political climate. Rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have warned that restrictions on opposition parties and media could undermine the credibility of the polls.
The main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has been barred from participating after its leader faced treason charges — a move the party has condemned as politically motivated. Government officials, however, say the elections will be free, fair and peaceful, emphasizing the presence of regional observers as proof of transparency.
Regional importance
The EAC, headquartered in Arusha, has observed elections across the region, including in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda, as part of efforts to strengthen democracy and political stability. Credible polls are viewed as essential for fostering trust and integration within the six-member bloc.
Analysts say the EAC’s findings in Tanzania will be closely watched, given the balance it must strike between respecting national sovereignty and promoting democratic standards.
What’s next
The observers will monitor campaigns, polling and vote counting before issuing a preliminary statement shortly after election day, followed by a final report with recommendations.
Tanzania’s elections will decide the presidency, members of parliament and local councils. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, seeking her first full term, faces an opposition field limited by legal and political constraints.
The EAC’s mission, regional analysts say, will play a crucial role in shaping both domestic and international perceptions of the vote’s credibility.
