Joseph Isangura
Tanzania has reassured its regional partners that it is ready to conduct a free, fair, and transparent general election scheduled for 29 October 2025.
The government has pledged full cooperation to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) electoral observers who will monitor the polls.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Cosato Chumi, made the remarks during a meeting in Zanzibar with the Advance Electoral Observation Mission from the Electoral Commissions Forum of SADC (ECF-SADC). The mission, led by Mosotho Moepya, Chairperson of South Africa’s Electoral Commission, is conducting a pre-election assessment in the country.
Chumi assured the delegation that Tanzania’s institutions—including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the mainland and the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC)—are fully prepared to manage the upcoming vote. He emphasized that the government is committed to adhering to the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections and to welcoming scrutiny from both domestic and regional observers.
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The Advance Mission, which has been in the country since August 12, has held talks with election officials, political party representatives, civil society, academics, and journalists. Its objective is to gauge the level of preparedness and to promote international best practices in managing democratic processes.
Moepya commended Tanzania for opening its doors to regional observers, noting that cooperation between SADC member states strengthens trust in elections and helps build democratic accountability.
While the government’s assurances have been well received, the political climate remains under close watch. Some analysts have raised concerns about political inclusivity following reports of restrictions on certain opposition activities. The ruling authorities, however, maintain that the October election will be conducted transparently, and that every eligible citizen will have the opportunity to cast a vote.
