(DODOMA) – Tanzania’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has granted permits to 12 observer missions, mostly from Western countries, to monitor the country’s upcoming general election set for 29 October.
However, it has notably excluded observer teams from key regional bodies, raising concerns among neighbouring states.
The approved observers include diplomatic missions from Denmark, the Netherlands, Canada, Ireland, Germany, Norway, Belgium, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United States. Also included is the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation.
However, observers from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), organisations to which Tanzania belongs, were not included. This exclusion has drawn attention across the region.
This year’s election has attracted unusual international attention due to concerns over Tanzania’s political environment. Critics have accused President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration of suppressing dissent, especially opposition groups calling for electoral reform.
These calls follow a history of disputed elections in 2019, 2020 and 2024, all of which were marked by allegations of vote rigging in favour of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
Chadema, the main opposition party, has been barred from participating in the upcoming election. Its leader, Tundu Lissu, is currently in prison awaiting trial on treason charges, linked to his push for electoral reforms.
In a further development, INEC this week announced that 37.6 million Tanzanians had registered to vote. This figure has raised doubts, as it exceeds the number of Tanzanians under age 14 recorded in the 2022 census, which was 36.9 million. It also represents a 26 percent increase from the 29.7 million registered in the 2020 elections.
Below is a summary comparison.
| Election Year | Registered Voters | Key Concern |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 29.7 million | Vote inflation, underage voting |
| Nov 2024 (Local) | 31.28 million | Alleged rigging in CCM’s favour |
| 2025 | 37.6 million | Discrepancy with census and voter roll size |
In the 2024 local government elections, which were managed by the Ministry for Regional Administration and Local Governments (Tamisemi), opposition groups claimed the voter list had been padded with names of underage and deceased individuals, allowing space for vote rigging.
INEC said the voter register was updated in two phases from July 2024 and completed on 4 July 2025. However, the sharp increase in numbers has only intensified concerns.
Observers permitted to monitor the elections must submit the names of their representatives and their designated areas through INEC’s online accreditation system. They will then be issued procedural guidelines. INEC has also published a list of 76 Tanzanian civil society organisations allowed to observe the election, although notable watchdogs such as the Legal and Human Rights Commission (LHRC) have not been included.
The election environment is being shaped by a new law, the Presidential, Parliamentary and Councillor Elections Act, passed in February 2024. The law gives INEC broad powers to approve or reject election observers, issue identification letters and revoke permits if observers violate immigration or other Tanzanian laws.
Observers are strictly prohibited from campaigning or showing public support for any political party or candidate. While they may monitor voting, counting and other parts of the electoral process, their movements are restricted to areas pre-approved by the electoral commission.
Despite the exclusion of Chadema, all of Tanzania’s other 19 registered political parties are expected to participate in the general election.
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