MWE Correspondent
The East African Community (EAC) has deployed a 67-member Election Observation Mission (EOM) to Tanzania ahead of the country’s General Elections scheduled for October 29, 2025.
The deployment reflects the regional bloc’s ongoing commitment to supporting democratic processes, peace, and stability across East Africa.
The mission is led by Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, former Vice President of Uganda and a renowned advocate for public health and gender equality. Dr. Kazibwe, Africa’s first female Vice President of a sovereign state, emphasized that credible elections are the cornerstone of democracy and regional integration. Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, she highlighted the importance of free, fair, and transparent elections for the progress of East Africa.
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The observation team includes members from all EAC Partner States, comprising legislators from the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), officials from National Electoral Commissions, Human Rights Commissions, civil society organizations, and the EAC Secretariat. Observers are deployed nationwide to assess the electoral process in line with Tanzania’s national laws, the EAC Principles for Election Observation and Evaluation, and international standards.
The EAC Council of Ministers directed the Secretariat to monitor elections across all member states, reflecting the bloc’s dedication to strengthening democratic governance. The mission is expected to provide an impartial evaluation of the electoral process, highlighting areas of success and offering recommendations for improvements to enhance future elections.
Analysts say the presence of a robust observation mission not only reassures voters but also fosters transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The EAC’s deployment underscores the regional body’s role in ensuring that elections in member states are conducted fairly and that citizens can exercise their democratic rights without intimidation or obstruction.
