Former Deputy President of South Africa leads AU Mission to assess Tanzania’s General Elections

The Pre-Election Assessment Mission which the African Union had deployed to Tanzania to monitor the country’s preparedness towards the forthcoming ‘General Elections’ has completed the assisgnemt.

The pre-election assessment mission to the Republic of Tanzania, worked in the countyry from the 11th of the 21st of June 2025.

The objective of the pre-election assessment mission (PAM) was to consider the state of preparedness for the forthcoming October 2025 presidential and legislative elections by institutions and stakeholders.

It also aimed to assess and encourage women’s political participation; and examine the political context within which the elections will take place to ensure that Tanzania’s democracy is further consolidated within the country’s framework and continental standards.

The Mission was led by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former deputy president of South Africa, assisted by Bineta Diop, the African Union special envoy for Women, peace and security; and Retired Justice Effie Owour, the Co-Chair of the FemWiseAfrica and a Member of the AU Panel of the Wise.

The mission also comprised of representatives from the African Union (AU) Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), and the Women, gender and youth Directorate of the AU.

Accordingly, the Mission consulted with Kassim Majaliwa, the prime minister of Tanzania; Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, the Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups.

There were also key government officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation; Commissioner and representatives of the National Election Commission; and Camillus Mongoso Wambura, Inspector General of Police (IGP).

There was also the registrar of NGOs; women business platforms; Civil Society Organizations (CSOs); Commissioner for human rights and good governance; deputy attorney general; registrar of the judiciary; registrar of political parties; and the political parties council among other stakeholders.

But it has not been divulged if the mission consulted with any of the Opposition parties to get their views.

All the same, according to the AU report, the engagements held centered on the country’s readiness for the upcoming election; the status of the electoral process; and the participation of women and youth, not only as voters but also as candidates.

In Zanzibar, the Mission held discussions with Hon. Haroun Ali Suleiman, Minister of state for constitution, law, civil service and good governance; the election commission chairperson; and CSOs.

Following the conclusion of the PAM, a report on the findings and recommendations will be submitted to the AUC Chairperson for his consideration.