AU says Tanzania’s election ‘failed democratic standards’ amid deadly crackdown

Tanzania’s October 29 elections “did not comply with democratic standards,” the African Union said on Wednesday, adding fresh international pressure on President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government after a bloody vote marred by violence and intimidation.

The AU mission, which deployed 72 observers to Tanzania and Zanzibar, cited ballot stuffing, an internet blackout, abductions, and the use of excessive military force as factors that “compromised election integrity.” It concluded the polls “did not comply with AU principles, normative frameworks, and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections.”

The statement follows widespread protests in Dar es Salaam and other cities, where demonstrators were met with tear gas, live rounds, and a communications blackout. Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, says “hundreds” were killed, though the government denies it. Videos reviewed by Al Jazeera show bodies in the streets and security forces firing on protesters.

The AU urged Tanzanian authorities to “exercise restraint” and conduct “thorough investigations” into the violence. It also called for deep electoral reforms to “address the root causes” of the crisis before the next vote.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) issued its own rare rebuke earlier this week, saying the elections “fell short” of its democratic principles and noting “general intimidation” of voters and opposition figures.

President Hassan officially won nearly 98 percent of the vote after her two main challengers were disqualified months before the election. Chadema was banned for refusing to sign an electoral code of conduct, and ACT-Wazalendo was excluded after an objection from the attorney general. Chadema’s leader, Tundu Lissu, now faces a treason trial for calling for electoral reforms.

In her first comments after being sworn in, Hassan blamed foreign actors for fueling unrest, saying “it was not a surprise that those arrested were from other countries.”

Hassan came to power in 2021 following the sudden death of John Magufuli, promising a softer touch than her authoritarian predecessor. Instead, rights groups say disappearances, torture, and attacks on the press have continued. A UN panel said in June it had documented more than 200 disappearances in Tanzania since 2019.