They Are Not Free And Fair: European Parliament Flags Tanzania Elections
The ongoing Tanzanian polls have been marred by incidents of violence and protests which have rocked several parts of the country...
✨ Key Highlights
Members of the European Parliament have declared Tanzania's elections "not free and fair," citing widespread fraud, intimidation, and repression, even as incumbent Samia Suluhu heads for a controversial victory. The lawmakers condemned the recent arrest of opposition leader Tundu Lissu on treason charges, demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
- European Parliament members, including David McAllister, Mounir Satouri, and Merja Kyllönen, stated the election was "heavily compromised long before the polls began."
- Protests erupted across Tanzanian cities on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, and continued into Thursday, October 30, marked by violence and destruction of ballot boxes.
- The United States Embassy in Tanzania issued an alert advising its citizens against travel to the country and urging residents to maintain a low profile amid blackouts and internet shutdowns.
Continue Reading
Read the complete article from Kenyans
Part of the Day's Coverage
Unrest, Deaths, and Internet Shutdown Disrupt Tanzanian Elections - October 2025
Tanzania's general election has been marred by protests, violence, and accusations of democratic backsliding. President Samia Suluhu Hassan ordered a nationwide night curfew and blocked internet services following unrest. Protests erupted along the Kenya-Tanzania border at Namanga, with the Kenyan government issuing a warning against participation. The European Parliament declared the elections "not free and fair," citing fraud and the arrest of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Amid the unrest, Amnesty International confirmed the deaths of a police officer and a civilian during protests on October 29. Following the election, the Tanzanian government ordered all civil servants to work from home.
