EAC deploys 67-member mission to observe Tanzania’s elections
The team includes members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), representatives from National Electoral Commissions, National Human Rights Commissions, civil society organisations, and officials from the EAC Secretariat.
The East African Community (EAC) has deployed a 67-member Election Observation Mission (EOM) to monitor Tanzania’s 2025 General Elections, following an invitation from Tanzania and in accordance with a directive from the EAC Council of Ministers requiring the Secretariat to observe elections in all Partner States.
The mission is headed by former Ugandan Vice President Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, who made history as the first woman in Africa to hold the position of Vice President in a sovereign nation. She served as Uganda’s Vice President from 1994 to 2003.
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“As a Community founded on the principles of good governance, rule of law, and respect for human rights, the EAC considers credible elections a cornerstone of democracy and regional integration,” Dr Kazibwe noted during the flag-off ceremony.
The Election Observation Mission comprises a multidisciplinary team of 67 observers drawn from all EAC Partner States. The team includes members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), representatives from National Electoral Commissions, National Human Rights Commissions, civil society organisations, and officials from the EAC Secretariat.
According to the EAC, observers were selected based on their expertise, impartiality, and commitment to the values of the Community.
Meanwhile, the Tanzanian government has declared October 29, 2025, a public holiday to allow citizens to participate in the upcoming general elections.
In an official statement issued by the Chief Secretary, Ambassador Dr Moses Kusiluka, the government said the decision by President Samia Suluhu Hassan aims to ensure that all eligible voters, including public servants and private-sector employees, have the opportunity to cast their ballots without hindrance.
The declaration follows an earlier announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which set October 29, 2025, as the official date for elections of the President, Members of Parliament, and Councillors.
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