Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has announced her participation in the African Union (AU) Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) for Tanzania’s general elections scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
Sharing the news on her official X (formerly Twitter) account, Passaris expressed her gratitude and pride in being part of the continental team overseeing one of East Africa’s most significant democratic exercises.
“Tanzania inapoelekea kwenye uchaguzi mkuu, nina heshima kuwa miongoni mwa waangalizi wa African Union Election Observation Mission wanaoshuhudia zoezi hili muhimu,” she wrote, reaffirming her commitment to promoting transparency and electoral integrity across the region.
Advocating for Peaceful and Transparent Elections
Passaris extended her best wishes to the people of Tanzania, urging for a peaceful, transparent, and credible election that reflects the will of the citizens and strengthens unity across the East African Community.
“Nawatakia majirani zetu, wananchi wa Tanzania, uchaguzi wa amani, uwazi na ukweli, uchaguzi unaohesabu matakwa yao, sauti yao na pia kuimarisha umoja na undugu katika eneo la Afrika Mashariki,” she added.
She further noted that the involvement of experienced AU observers helps reassure citizens of a professional and impartial evaluation of the electoral process.
About the AU Election Observation Mission
The African Union Commission confirmed that its election observation mission will oversee Tanzania’s presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections.
The mission is led by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, with former Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama serving as deputy head.
A total of 72 observers from 31 African countries including ambassadors, Pan-African Parliament members, human rights and governance experts, and representatives of youth and women’s organisations are deployed across the country from October 20 to November 3, 2025.
Their work is guided by Tanzania’s electoral laws, AU election principles, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and international standards for election observation.
Election Context
More than 37 million registered voters are casting their ballots to elect the president, members of parliament, and local council leaders. Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous region, is holding its own parallel elections.
This year’s poll has drawn international attention amid growing concerns over fairness, as key opposition figures such as Tundu Lissu and Luhaga Mpina were barred from contesting, leaving incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the clear frontrunner.
Passaris’ participation underscores Kenya’s growing role in regional democracy efforts and the African Union’s ongoing commitment to promoting peace, accountability, and good governance across the continent.
