Particle.news
Download on the App Store
7 ARTICLES
·
4w ago

African Union Declares Tanzania's Election Non-Compliant With Democratic Standards

AU observers urge investigations and reforms after reporting ballot stuffing, an internet blackout, excessive force.

FILE - Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete along with other East African Presidents, attends a breakfast discussion at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Molly Riley, File)
Image
FILE - Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan appears in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus on April 15, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)
Image

Overview

  • The AU’s preliminary statement says the Oct. 29 polls breached AU principles and international obligations for democratic elections.
  • Observers cited ballot stuffing, restricted monitoring and a nationwide internet blackout that impeded transparency on election day.
  • Security forces violently dispersed protests after the vote, with casualty figures unconfirmed as opposition groups claim hundreds of deaths.
  • The NEC certified President Samia Suluhu Hassan with roughly 98% of the vote after major opponents were barred and CHADEMA did not participate.
  • SADC, the EU and other bodies urged independent investigations and reforms, while Hassan dismissed external criticism and was sworn in on Nov. 3 under tight security.