DODOMA, Tanzania — Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has firmly rejected mounting calls for sweeping electoral reforms following the disputed 2025 General Election, dismissing criticism from regional and international observer missions as unwarranted “external interference” in the nation’s internal affairs.
Speaking shortly after her closed-door inauguration for a second term—held under tight security at a military base in Dodoma—President Suluhu defended the performance of the National Electoral Commission (NEC).
She praised the body for conducting what she termed a “peaceful, fair, and efficient” election.
“We thank the electoral commission for coordinating and supervising the entire process with unquestionable efficiency,” she said. “In this election, we had 17 candidates from various parties. We competed on merit, and all of us showed that politics is not war.”
Her comments were delivered just hours after the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other missions released preliminary reports describing the polls as deeply flawed.
Upholding sovereignty and rejecting ‘instructions’
Quoting the late former President Benjamin Mkapa, President Suluhu stated that while Tanzania welcomes election observers, it “will not be dictated to by foreign entities.”
“We thank all communities that brought election observers. We have received their opinions with great respect,” she said. “However, as President Mkapa said, when they praise us, we receive that praise humbly. But when they give us instructions on what to do — we reject those instructions.”
Suluhu added that her government would “consider constructive advice” while maintaining that upholding sovereignty and peace were non-negotiable national principles.
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Addressing the civil unrest and alleged human rights violations that followed the announcement of the results, the President defended the actions of security agencies, framing them as necessary to preserve stability.
“Chaos within the country is not good; it has no price and benefits no one,” she warned. “Those who incited violence should know that dialogue produces solidarity — not confrontation.”
Observer Missions condemn flaws
The President’s defiance comes amid significant criticism. The SADC Election Observer Mission, led by former Malawi Speaker Richard Msowoya, concluded that the election fell short of regional democratic standards. The mission cited a wide array of issues, including:
- The detention of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
- Disqualification of several opposition candidates.
- Internet shutdowns and biased media coverage.
The SADC mission further condemned constitutional provisions that prevent courts from reviewing presidential election results, describing them as a “serious obstacle to accountability.”
Msowoya explicitly stated that “Voters could not freely express their democratic will,” and urged Tanzania to implement comprehensive constitutional and electoral reforms.
Despite the mounting criticism, President Suluhu called on citizens to “move past the election” and focus on unity.
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“The election is over now. Let us work together to build our nation,” she urged. “The chosen leader becomes a servant of all citizens — those who voted for them, those who did not, and even those who did not participate.”
The inauguration, attended by regional leaders including the Presidents of Burundi, Somalia, Zambia, and Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, was held at the Tanzania People’s Defence Force parade grounds in Dodoma.
The low-key event, closed to the public and journalists, unfolded amid an internet blackout, curfews, and ongoing security operations in opposition strongholds.
