Habimana Kizito Among 67 EAC Observers Deployed for Tanzania’s Presidential Elections

The East African Community (EAC) has deployed a team of 67 election observers, including Habimana Kizito, the Vice Chairperson of the National Electoral Commission of Rwanda, ahead of Tanzania’s presidential election scheduled for October 29, 2025.

The deployment follows an official invitation from the Government of Tanzania and aligns with directives from the EAC Council of Ministers requiring the Secretariat to monitor electoral processes in all member states. The move underscores the EAC’s strong commitment to promoting democracy, peace, and stability across the region.

During the team’s official flag-off last week, the Head of Mission, Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, former Vice President of Uganda (1994-2003), emphasized the importance of transparent elections in maintaining regional unity. “Credible elections are the foundation of democracy and cohesion within our region,” she noted.

The 67 observers are drawn from various sectors within the eight EAC partner states. The team includes Members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), representatives of national electoral commissions, human rights institutions, civil society organizations, and officials from the EAC Secretariat.

Their mandate is to closely monitor the election environment, including campaign activities, voting operations, vote counting procedures, and the announcement of results. After the polls, the mission will issue a detailed report on its findings and recommendations.

This initiative is grounded in Article 6(d) of the EAC Treaty, which promotes adherence to principles of good governance, democracy, human rights, equality, social justice, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law among member states.