Kenya Human Rights Commission addressing the media on alleged suppression of electoral freedoms in Tanzania a day before the country holds elections, October 29, 2025. /KHRCThe Kenya Human Rights Commission has expressed concern over what it terms a deteriorating human rights and political freedom in Tanzania ahead of the country’s upcoming elections on Wednesday.
The commission has warned that the prevailing environment does not allow for a free or credible vote.
In a joint statement with regional partners under the banner Jumuiya ni Yetu, KHRC said it was speaking “as East African citizens” united by shared democratic values and the principles that underpin the East African Community (EAC).
"We stand here to state that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Borders will not limit our brotherhood and sisterhood. The tragic occurrences we are witnessing in Tanzania go against the very principles that underpin the East African community,” the statement read.
The commission and allied groups alleged that opposition leaders, activists and journalists have faced arbitrary arrests, intimidation and restrictions in recent weeks and leading opponents disqualified from the polls.
They cited Chadema party leader Tundu Lissu's detention on "trumped-up charges" of treason for demanding electoral reforms and the subsequent ban of his party from participating in the election as the epitome of the stifling of freedoms.
“There are no free and fair elections happening in Tanzania. Samia Suluhu is preparing for her coronation, as her only opposition is her very own shadow,” the statement said.
According to the groups, the country has witnessed what they described as a “silent epidemic” of enforced disappearances, torture and harassment of government critics.
"Additionally, Tanzania has scaled its police force in what appears to be preparation for a war against its citizens, rather than an election."
Citing recent findings by Amnesty International, KHRC said the repression in Tanzania has intensified and that most international election observers have withdrawn.
“Belgium, Sweden, Germany and Ireland have all pulled out of the polls,” it said, adding that “the United Nations Development Programme is not participating at this time.”
The statement further raised concern over restrictions on media and online spaces, noting that “all international media companies have been barred from entering Tanzania, and many local licenses have been withdrawn.”
The groups argued that without press freedom, “it is impossible to ensure accountability or transparency in the electoral process.”
While calling for solidarity across East Africa, KHRC urged regional and continental institutions to uphold their mandates on democracy and governance.
“As a community founded on the principles of good governance, the rule of law and respect for human rights, the EAC regards credible elections as the cornerstone of democracy and regional integration,” it said, echoing remarks by regional observers.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the need for collective citizen action to defend democratic space in the region: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
