The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has deployed 80 election observers from 10 member states to monitor Tanzania’s 29 October general elections but will not cover four regions due to capacity constraints, the mission’s head announced on Tuesday.
Former Malawi Chief Justice Richard Msowoya, who is leading the SADC Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), said observers will be stationed across 27 of Tanzania’s 31 regions.
“Due to capacity challenges, SEOM will not deploy to Mtwara, Shinganga, Tabora and Tanga regions,” Msowoya said during a launch ceremony held in Dar es Salaam.
The SEOM team comprises personnel from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Their mandate spans the pre-election, election day and post-election phases, including campaign monitoring, voting procedures and ballot counting.
Tanzania’s 2025 general elections will see 18 of the country’s 19 registered political parties contesting for seats in what is expected to be a competitive and closely watched poll.
SEOM emphasised its commitment to impartiality and broad stakeholder engagement, including consultations with political parties and civil society organisations.
Msowoya acknowledged time limitations may restrict the mission’s ability to engage with all parties but urged voters to participate actively and peacefully.
“We encourage all stakeholders to ensure that these elections are conducted in a peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible manner,” he said.
JN/APA