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President Samia Suluhu Hassan has turned down demands for extensive changes to the electoral system after the contested 2025 General Election, rejecting critiques from regional and global monitoring groups as “outside meddling” in the nation’s domestic matters.

Shortly after taking the oath for her second term at a private ceremony held with strict security at a military base in Dodoma, President Suluhu supported the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and commended it for organizing what she described as a “peaceful, fair, and effective” election.

We appreciate the electoral commission for managing and overseeing the whole process with remarkable efficiency,” she stated. “In this election, we had 17 candidates from different parties. We competed based on merit, and each of us demonstrated that politics is not a conflict.

Her remarks were made just hours following the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other monitoring missions issuing initial reports that characterized the elections as severely problematic, highlighting the intimidation of opposition leaders, restriction of media freedoms, and low voter turnout.

Rejection

Referring to the late former President Benjamin Mkapa, Suluhu stated that Tanzania accepts election observers but “will not be directed by foreign organizations.”

“We appreciate all communities that sent election observers. We have valued their perspectives highly,” she stated.

Nevertheless, as President Mkapa mentioned, we accept their praise with humility. However, when they attempt to dictate what we should do, we refuse those directives.

Suluhu stated that her administration would “evaluate beneficial suggestions” while maintaining sovereignty and peace as unchangeable national values.

In response to claims of unrest and reported human rights abuses, the President supported the security forces, stating that their measures were essential for ensuring order.

Disorder inside the nation is harmful; it holds no value and serves no one,” she stated. “Those who encouraged violence should understand that discussion fosters unity — not conflict.

Opposition parties and human rights organizations have alleged that security personnel have employed excessive force to suppress demonstrations following the election in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza, which occurred after the contested results were released.

A flawed election

The SADC Election Observation Mission, headed by former Malawi Speaker Richard Msowoya, stated that the election did not meet regional democratic criteria, pointing to the arrest of opposition figure Tundu Lissu, exclusion of candidates, internet blackouts, and one-sided media reporting.

The assignment also condemned constitutional clauses that hinder courts from examining presidential election outcomes, calling them a “major barrier to responsibility.”

“Voters were unable to freely voice their democratic preferences,” Msowoya stated, calling on Tanzania to enact extensive constitutional and electoral changes.

Even with increasing criticism, President Suluhu urged the public to “look beyond the election” and concentrate on building the nation.

“The election has concluded. Let’s unite to develop our country,” she stated.

The selected leader serves every citizen — individuals who cast their vote, those who did not, and even those who remained inactive.

Suluhu also expressed gratitude to regional leaders who were present at her inauguration, such as Burundi’s Évariste Ndayishimiye, Somalia’s Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, and Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who stood in for President William Ruto.

The ceremony took place at the Tanzania People’s Defence Force parade grounds and was not accessible to the public or media, representing a significant shift from Tanzania’s usual practice of holding open and celebratory inauguration events.

Broadcast live on the state-controlled TBC, the subdued event took place during an internet shutdown, curfews, and continuous security actions in areas where opposition is strong.

President Suluhu, aged 64, was announced as the victor with 98 percent of the votes cast, during an election that saw some opposition groups withdraw and was questioned by observers for its lack of trustworthiness.

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Tagged: Tanzania, Governance, Human Rights, East Africa

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