Tanzania's elections judged by processes not numbers

Elections, said a statement.

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Such incidents underscored what analysts have long described as Tanzania's fragile relationship with electoral transparency. Even as the country positions itself as a beacon of stability in East Africa, episodes like this reveal deep institutional anxiety about external scrutiny.

The European Union Election Observation Mission was equally critical: “These elections cannot be regarded as free and fair. The fraud did not begin at the ballot box — it has been unfolding for months.”

The EU report pointed to the intimidation of opposition figures, the silencing of civic groups and tight restrictions on media and expression, particularly in the run-up to the polls.

The European Parliament echoed this view in a resolution issued in Brussels on October 30, describing the elections as conducted “in an atmosphere of fear”.

The arrest and prosecution of opposition leader Tundu Lissu on treason charges was also lamented.

On a broader scale, the European Parliament's indictment of the electoral process could influence future EU policy toward Tanzania, including cooperation on governance and development programmes.

The statement also puts pressure on regional bodies such as the African Union and East African Community to take a clearer position on electoral integrity in the country.

Defiance and denial

Despite international criticism, Suluhu was sworn in on November 3 at the Chamwino Military Parade Grounds in Dodoma.

The event was a scaled-down ceremony — devoid of the usual pomp and regional attendance — symbolizing both triumph and tension. In her inaugural address, she dismissed foreign observers’ claims of irregularities, describing them as “distortions” aimed at undermining Tanzania’s sovereignty.

She appealed for calm, urging Tanzanians to “reject violence and respect the choice of the people”, though opposition figures argue that the “choice” itself was preordained by a system favouring incumbency.