EU Expresses “Extreme Concern” Over Violence and Irregularities in Tanzanian Elections
BRUSSELS – The European Union has issued a strong statement voicing deep concern over the conduct of Tanzania’s recent presidential elections, highlighting violence, internet shutdowns, and reported irregularities that have marred the electoral process.
The statement, released on November 2, 2025, by the High Representative on behalf of the EU bloc, comes after Tanzanian electoral authorities proclaimed the results of the polls held on October 29. While the EU “takes note” of the results, it did not endorse them, instead listing a series of alarming events.
“The EU is very concerned with the events that occurred throughout the Election Day and that are still ongoing, including violence, the internet shutdown as well as reports of irregularities in the election process in some places,” the statement read. It specifically pointed to “reliable reports of large number of fatalities and significant injuries,” describing them as being “of extreme concern.”
The Union urged Tanzanian authorities to “exercise maximum restraint to preserve human lives.”
Furthermore, the EU criticized the pre-election environment, stating that a “lack of level playing field” was marked by “reports of abductions and disappearances and violence,” which limited the “civic and democratic space.”
In its demands, the EU called for:
· The release of all detained politicians.
· Transparent and fair trials for those arrested on a sound legal basis.
· Swift and thorough investigations into all reported incidents of abductions, disappearances, and violence.
Emphasizing its “long-standing partnership” with Tanzania, the EU encouraged the government to continue efforts toward a “fully-fledged multi-party system” and to engage in an “open and inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders, in particular opposition parties and civil society for reconciliation.”
The statement underscores growing international apprehension about the political situation in Tanzania following the recent vote.
Source: General Secretariat of the Council of the EU
Website: www.consilium.europa.eu/press
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