AU Calls Tanzania Election a Sham as Pressure Mounts on Suluhu

The African Union has joined regional and international bodies in condemning Tanzania’s recently concluded election, describing the vote as “compromised” and falling short of democratic standards.

In a statement released late Wednesday, the AU said the election failed to meet continental principles and international norms for credible polls, citing irregularities that undermined the integrity of the outcome.

The continental body said it had observed ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and restrictions on observers in several polling stations.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with about 98 percent of the vote, in an election the opposition and observers say was marred by widespread irregularities.

Suluhu was hurriedly sworn in at a private ceremony in Dodoma, locking out the public and opposition members amid rising tension across the country.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) earlier termed the vote a sham, pointing to harassment of opposition candidates, censorship of the media, and an internet blackout that restricted information flow. The bloc said the political environment before and during the vote was not conducive to a fair contest.

The European Union also voiced concern, noting incidents of violence, arbitrary arrests and the reported use of excessive force by security agencies during and after the election. Rights groups said dozens of protesters were detained and several injured as security forces cracked down on demonstrations in major cities.

The AU called on Tanzania to undertake urgent electoral and political reforms to restore public confidence in its democratic institutions. It urged authorities to engage with opposition parties and civil society to address the underlying causes of political discontent and ensure future elections are credible.

The mounting criticism from the AU, SADC and the EU adds pressure on Suluhu’s administration to allow an independent investigation into alleged abuses and to commit to reforms that could ease growing isolation from regional partners.

ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org