Across Europe’s political halls, concern over Tanzania's October 29 elections has escalated sharply, with the European Parliament declaring that the polls failed to meet the minimum threshold of democratic credibility.
In a statement issued in Brussels, Members of the European Parliament said the vote took place under fear, shrinking civic freedoms, and targeted political repression.
The Parliament lamented that instead of giving citizens a voice, the electoral period became a symbol of democratic erosion marked by intimidation, legal persecution and deliberate exclusion of dissenting voices. Lawmakers said the electoral environment had been compromised long before voting day, noting a pattern of arrests, restrictions on assembly and censorship.
According to the statement, the treatment of political parties, civic organisations and journalists reflected a coordinated effort to control the electoral field and silence criticism.
“These elections cannot be regarded as free and fair. The fraud did not begin at the ballot box—it has been unfolding for months,” the Parliament noted, arguing that Tanzania’s authorities created conditions that made genuine competition impossible.
The arrest and prosecution of opposition figure Tundu Lissu featured prominently in the Parliament’s concerns, with lawmakers condemning the charges against him and linking his trial to a broader collapse of independent institutions.
They insisted that his continued detention undermines the legitimacy of the process and reinforces a climate where political participation is punished rather than protected.
“Lissu must be released immediately and unconditionally. No election can be credible when the main opposition is silenced, when freedom of assembly and expression are denied, and when independent media are intimidated and censored," the statement said, emphasising that democratic rights cannot be suspended for political convenience.
The Parliament said it was alarmed by reports of irregularities and obstruction of observers, adding that credible oversight is central to public confidence.
It urged global partners not to ignore the situation, warning that failing to challenge democratic backsliding enables authoritarian practices. “Silence is not neutrality—it is complicity,” the lawmakers said.
Signatories included senior committee heads responsible for foreign affairs, human rights and relations with African institutions, signalling a cohesive position within the European Union’s legislative arm.
The declaration is likely to influence future discussions between the EU and Tanzania on cooperation, governance and support programmes.
While Tanzanian officials have not responded to the latest remarks, they have previously brushed off similar concerns, insisting the process was peaceful and in line with the law.
Even so, the Parliament’s statement heightens scrutiny on regional organisations, particularly the African Union and East African Community, to speak more firmly on electoral fairness.
The European Parliament concluded by reaffirming its support for Tanzanians seeking accountability and democratic freedoms, noting that a credible electoral system is central to stability, justice and public trust.
