Human Rights Watch has reported that Tanzanian authorities have intensified political repression, casting a dark shadow over the possibility of free and fair elections on October 29, 2025.

The organization stated in a report released Monday that the government has tightened its grip on the opposition and media, undermining the independence of the electoral commission, which threatens to compromise the credibility of the entire electoral process.

Human Rights Watch documented dozens of cases of arbitrary arrests, kidnappings, and torture against political activists, journalists, clergy, and other government critics.

Nomathamsanqa Masiku-Mbaka, the organization’s Africa researcher, said, “Tanzanian authorities must take urgent steps to protect the integrity of the upcoming elections and stop silencing opposition voices and the media.”

Through interviews with 24 activists, lawyers, journalists, and opposition members from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, the organization documented escalating human rights violations.

The report recorded cases of enforced disappearances, beatings, and torture, including the kidnapping of opposition activist Mbloka Niagali (Mdodi) from the southwest of the country in May, whose fate remains unknown. Other journalists and activists suffered serious assaults and death threats, some forced to flee abroad for their safety.

The report noted that police often ignore or justify disappearances by accusing victims of staging their own disappearance, while investigations into crimes against opponents lack transparency.

The organization also highlighted ongoing repression of opposition political parties, including the arrest and trial of Chadema party leader Tundu Lissu on treason charges, suspension of the party’s activities, and barring it from contesting elections until 2030. The measures benefit the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, which has consolidated its political dominance.

Several opposition figures expressed fear of targeting, stating they live under constant threat from police and security agencies, with political freedom and freedom of expression nearly nonexistent.

Human Rights Watch criticized the weak independence of the National Electoral Commission, whose members are appointed by the president and wield broad powers that cannot be legally challenged, exacerbating fears of result manipulation and exclusion of opposition candidates.

Regarding the media, the organization documented the use of vague laws by authorities to suspend newspaper and website licenses, block social media and public discussion platforms, and arrest journalists and bloggers amid threats and retaliatory actions against critics or those reporting on abuses.

Restrictions are not limited to mainland Tanzania but also affect Zanzibar residents, with thousands deprived of national ID cards necessary for voter registration, a blatant violation of political participation rights, according to the organization.

The organization noted that commitments made by President Samia Hassan before the UN Human Rights Council in June have not translated into real reforms, as civil and political freedoms continue to be restricted, with increased arbitrary arrests, disappearances, and media restrictions.