SADC Launches Electoral Observation Mission Ahead of Tanzania’s Election

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has officially launched its Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to monitor Tanzania’s 2025 General Election.

The ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dar es Salaam, was led by Richard Msowoya, former Speaker of Malawi’s Parliament and Head of the SEOM.

Mr. Msowoya emphasized that the Mission’s mandate is to assess the electoral process in line with Tanzania’s legal framework and the revised 2021 SADC principles and guidelines governing democratic elections.

He urged citizens to participate peacefully and called on all stakeholders to uphold democratic values during the polls slated for October 29, 2025.

The Mission will consult with political parties, civil society, women and youth groups, the media, and government agencies to gain a broad understanding of the electoral environment.

SADC has deployed observers to 27 out of 31 regions, underscoring its commitment to transparent and credible elections in the region.

Meanwhile, rights groups, including Amnesty International, have raised concerns over a rising climate of fear, alleged repression of opposition figures, journalists, and activists, with cases of politically motivated arrests and disappearances.

The upcoming election will see Tanzanians vote for the president, members of the National Assembly, and ward councillors.

With major opposition candidates disqualified or facing prosecution, observers will closely watch whether the polls meet democratic standards.