Passaris among AU observers monitoring Tanzania’s general election
By William Muthama, October 29, 2025
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has announced that she will be part of the African Union (AU) Election Observation Mission to monitor Tanzania’s general election, scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025. I
In a post shared on her X account on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Passaris expressed her honour at joining the mission, highlighting the importance of witnessing a credible and transparent electoral process in the East African region.
“Tanzania inapoelekea kwenye uchaguzi mkuu, nina heshima kuwa miongoni mwa waangalizi wa African Union Election Observation Mission wanaoshuhudia zoezi hili muhimu,” she wrote, emphasising her commitment to ensuring that the election reflects the true will of Tanzanian citizens.
Peaceful voting hopes
Passaris also wished Tanzanians a peaceful and transparent election, calling for a process that respects voters’ voices and strengthens regional unity.
“Nawatakia majirani zetu, wananchi wa Tanzania, uchaguzi wa amani, uwazi na ukweli, uchaguzi unaohesabu matakwa yao, sauti yao na pia kuimarisha umoja na undugu katika eneo la Afrika Mashariki,” she added.
She noted that the presence of experienced AU observers reassures citizens of a fair and professional electoral assessment.
Election overview
The African Union Commission confirmed the arrival of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) for Tanzania’s elections, covering presidential, parliamentary, and local council contests.
The mission, deployed at the invitation of the Tanzanian government and the Independent National Electoral Commission, is led by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi and supported by former Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama.
Comprising 72 observers from 31 African countries, the team is on the ground from October 20 to November 3, 2025. Observers include ambassadors, Pan African Parliament members, election experts, human rights specialists, gender and media experts, and representatives of women and youth organisations.
They will evaluate the electoral process according to Tanzania’s legal framework, AU election principles, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and international observation standards.
Tanzanians are voting for the president, parliament members, and local councilors in mainland regions, with separate elections in Zanzibar.
Winners are decided by simple majority, and over 37 million citizens aged 18 and above are registered to vote.
This year’s election has been marked by controversies, particularly around the presidential race, as voters head to the polls amid expectations that incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan will easily win.
Key opposition figures, including Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina, have been barred from running, leaving little real challenge, raising concerns about the fairness of the process.