An elderly voter casts her ballot at Wazo Hill polling station in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, on October 28, 2020. PHOTO | AFP via Getty Images
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is approaching the highly anticipated 2025 general election, and the old pet peeve is rearing its ugly head again.
As a result, the spotlight is turning sharply on the neutrality and integrity of state institutions — including the police, military, judiciary, and state-owned media, the independent national electoral commission (INEC), and the office of registrar of political parties (ORPPs) — whose conduct will either solidify public trust or undermine the entire democratic process.
Analysts and legal experts are calling for a level playing field, warning that the misuse of state apparatus to favour one political party risks delegitimising the outcome and destabilizing the country’s political landscape.
“The challenge has been for leaders to differentiate between the roles they are serving and political interests,” said Advocate Dominic Ndunguru of Open Mind Tanzania.
“State-owned media are supposed to provide equal coverage to all participating political parties, but analyses show candidates from the ruling CCM often receive more airtime than others.”
Role of state institutions
Historically, the police and military have played outsized roles during election seasons, often accused by opposition parties of selectively enforcing laws and suppressing political freedoms. Analysts say this practice must stop.
“There is no time when rallies organised by CCM are called off by state apparatus including the police, but the challenge has been repeatedly happening with the opposition parties,” Ndunguru added.
Security forces are tasked with maintaining law and order, not arbitrating political competition. Their impartiality is critical, especially as political tensions rise.
Selective crackdowns, arrests of opposition figures, or blocking opposition rallies send dangerous signals of double standards — symptoms of a politically compromised system.
“A professional, non-partisan police and military force deters electoral violence, encourages civic participation, and safeguards political expression,” said Dr Revocatus Kabobe, a political science lecturer from the Open University of Tanzania (OUT).
Judiciary and electoral commission under scrutiny
The judiciary and the INEC must also prove their independence in the coming months. Public confidence in these institutions hinges on their ability to fairly vet candidates, resolve disputes, and enforce election laws without political influence.
“In democratic countries, leaders of state apparatus like the Police Force and the Judiciary go through serious scrutiny,” said Advocate Ndunguru. “They must be able to hold any political actor accountable, including those from the ruling party.”
Dr Kabobe agrees. “The independence and transparency of the Electoral Commission must be strengthened. Appointment processes and key decisions should be free from executive influence,” he said.
“Transparent voter registration, equitable constituency boundaries, and a reliable dispute resolution mechanism are essential.”
He emphasised that citizens and political actors alike must trust that electoral grievances will be handled with fairness and urgency.
State media and the information battlefield
State-owned broadcasters and newspapers — including the Tanzania Broadcasting Corporation (TBC), Daily News, and Habari Leo — have a crucial role to play.
As taxpayer-funded institutions, they are obliged to provide balanced coverage to all political parties.
However, media watchdogs have raised concerns about disproportionate coverage favoring the ruling party, reinforcing the perception of bias.
“State media must ensure equal airtime and fair reporting. When they become megaphones for the ruling party, they deprive citizens of the information needed to make informed choices,” said Dr Kabobe.
He added that debates, manifestos, and fact-checking must be part of their editorial mandate to foster issue-based campaigns and avoid the spread of misinformation.
The cost of double standards
Analysts warn that when laws are enforced unequally — permitting the ruling party more freedom to campaign while stifling the opposition — the very fabric of democracy is weakened.
“In countries where rule of law and good governance are lacking, people are treated according to political affiliations,” said Dr Richard Mbunda of the University of Dar es Salaam.
“Those in the ruling party are often considered above the law, while the opposition is targeted disproportionately.”
Dr Mbunda warned that such dynamics can easily breed resentment and unrest. “When laws become meaningless due to selective enforcement, the country edges toward anarchy,” he said.
Recommendations
Experts recommend several practical reforms to bolster the impartiality of Tanzania’s state apparatus, such as reinforcing oversight of police and security forces with training on human rights and electoral conduct.
Ensure the Electoral Commission operates transparently, especially in appointment processes and dispute resolution.
All political parties should be guaranteed equal access to public venues and state media for all political parties and to empower the judiciary to handle election-related disputes independently and efficiently.
“A level playing field is not just about fairness,” Dr Kabobe said. “It’s about preserving the legitimacy of democratic governance. Neutral state apparatus ensures that elections truly reflect the will of the people.”
Moment of truth
The 2025 general election is more than a political event — it is a litmus test for Tanzania’s commitment to democratic values.
The world will be watching how state institutions navigate the delicate balance between governance and politics.
Failure to ensure fairness may not just discredit the electoral process but could sow seeds of long-term political instability.
Conversely, demonstrating integrity and neutrality could cement Tanzania’s democratic progress and inspire confidence across the region.
“This is a huge test for our institutions,” concluded Dr Mbunda. “It’s time to rise to the occasion — not just for politicians, but for the future of Tanzanian democracy.”
