The East African Community (EAC) has deployed an Election Observation Mission (EOM) to monitor Tanzania’s general elections at the invitation of the Tanzanian government. The 67-member team, drawn from all EAC Partner States, includes Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), electoral and human rights officials, civil society representatives, and EAC Secretariat staff.

Led by Uganda’s former Vice President Dr. Specioza Kazibwe, the mission aims to assess the elections’ conduct in line with Tanzanian laws, EAC election observation principles, and international standards.

“This underscores the EAC’s unwavering commitment to democratic governance, peace, and stability in the region,” stated an EAC release from Arusha. Dr. Kazibwe reaffirmed that credible elections are central to democracy and regional integration.

EAC Secretary General Hon. Veronica Nduva said the observers will engage with key stakeholders, monitor campaign activities, and observe polling, counting, and result transmission. The Mission will issue a preliminary report after the elections and a comprehensive final report with recommendations for strengthening future electoral processes.

Dr. Kazibwe, the first woman in Africa to serve as Vice President, is a medical doctor and advocate for gender equality and public health, previously serving as the UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa.