Africa-Press – Tanzania. AS the General Election draws near, election observers, both local and international, are directing their efforts to ensure that the polling process aligns with Tanzania’s democratic principles and regional integration standards.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set October 29, 2025, as the official election day, when citizens will head to the polls to elect the next President, Members of Parliament and Ward Councillors.
Observers have issued a clear appeal to all stakeholders, including electoral governing bodies, political parties and citizens, to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully, freely, fairly, transparently and credibly, while upholding the country’s democratic values and principles.
According to INEC a total of 88 organisations, comprising 76 local and 12 international observers, have been accredited by INEC to monitor the 2025 General Election.
Introducing the Forum of Parliaments of Member States of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (FP-ICGLR) in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Head of the mission and former President of Burundi, Mr Domitien Ndayizeye, urged Tanzanians to participate actively, peacefully and responsibly in the forthcoming General Election.
Mr Ndayizeye called on INEC, political stakeholders and citizens to uphold peace, integrity and patriotism as the nation prepares for the election. He urged INEC to maintain transparency, professionalism and impartiality throughout the electoral process.
“In the spirit of regional solidarity and democratic cooperation, the FP-ICGLR urges INEC to continue exercising professionalism, transparency and impartiality in administering the electoral process, ensuring that every Tanzanian’s voice is heard and respected,” Mr Ndayizeye said.
“We appeal to all citizens, particularly youth, women and persons with disabilities to participate actively, peacefully and responsibly in shaping their nation’s future. This election presents an opportunity to reaffirm Tanzania’s long-standing reputation for stability and democratic maturity in the Great Lakes Region.”
Mr Ndayizeye praised Tanzania’s consistent record of peaceful elections, describing the country as a model of stability and democratic growth within the region.
He noted that Tanzania’s experience could serve as a valuable reference for other ICGLR member states. The FP-ICGLR Election Observation Mission, which arrived in the country on October 23, will stay until October 31 to monitor the electoral process and assess the extent to which it is peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive.
Launching its mission in Tanzania this week, the Head of the Southern African Development Community–Electoral Observation Mission (SADC-EOM) Richard Msowoya expressed optimisms to an electoral process that adheres to democratic values and principles envisioned in the SADC Treaty, the Protocol on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.
He urged all registered voters in the country to turn out in large numbers to exercise their civic and political rights during the election day.
“We are so far satisfied with the prevailing peace, security and stability in Tanzania as the country prepares for the General Election scheduled for next week. And we hope for the positive atmosphere will be maintained throughout and beyond the electoral period,” said Mr Msowoya.
The SEOM consists of 80 personnel from 10 SADC member states that will be deployed to 27 out of 31 regions of Tanzania.
The SEOM’s observations will cover the pre-election, election and post-election periods, including the campaigns, voting day activities and the ballot counting process. A preliminary report will be prepared and released on October 31st.
The East African Community (EAC) has also launched and flagged off its Election Observation Mission (EOM) right on Friday in Dar es Salaam with its Head of Mission Dr Speciosa Kazibwe underscoring the bloc’s unwavering commitment to democratic governance, peace and stability in the region.
She urged Tanzania to safeguard peace before, during and after the upcoming General Election.
She commended Tanzania for its longstanding record of peaceful political transitions, noting that it stands out among EAC member states for maintaining stability throughout changes in leadership.
“As a community founded on the principles of good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights, the EAC considers credible elections a cornerstone of democracy and regional integration,” said Dr Kazibwe.
The EAC-EOM comprises a multidisciplinary team of 67 observers drawn from all EAC Partner States, including Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), representatives of National Electoral Commissions, National Human Rights Commissions, civil society and the EAC Secretariat
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