A Call for Democratic Accountability in Tanzania
Former Botswana President Ian Khama has made strong statements against Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu, labeling her as an “illegitimate leader.” His criticism is rooted in the widespread irregularities, violence, and suppression of dissent that characterized the country’s disputed October 29 General Election. These allegations have drawn attention from international bodies such as the African Union (AU) and regional blocs, which have condemned the election as falling short of democratic standards.
Khama, speaking at a governance forum in Lukenya, Machakos, accused Suluhu’s administration of overseeing a flawed and violent election process that contradicts the continent’s democratic aspirations. He declared, “I for one do not recognize the person who was inaugurated as the president of Tanzania. She is an illegitimate president.” His remarks reflect a broader concern about the state of governance across Africa, where he argues that leaders often prioritize their interests over the values of democracy.
“The Africa we dream of — peaceful, prosperous and respected — will only emerge when our governance is guided by our values and not by our interests,” Khama emphasized. He criticized some African leaders for manipulating elections and using state violence to maintain power. “It is totally unacceptable when an African leader, in order to stay in power, will resort to killing his or her own people,” he said. “For any leader to think they are the only one who can be president is pathetic.”
Khama’s comments come on the heels of a preliminary report from the AU Election Observation Mission, led by former Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi. The report declared that Tanzania’s 2025 election “failed to comply with AU principles and international standards.” This assessment aligns with concerns raised by other observer teams, including those from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Commonwealth, which described the polls as deeply flawed.
Flawed Vote and Institutional Weaknesses
The AU mission highlighted legal, institutional, and procedural weaknesses that undermined the integrity of the election process. These included the arrest of opposition figures, disqualification of candidates, ballot stuffing, restricted media coverage, and a six-day nationwide internet blackout. The mission also condemned the “excessive use of force” by police and military units against protesters, which reportedly led to several deaths. It called for sweeping constitutional and political reforms to restore public trust.
SADC Chief Observer Richard Msowoya pointed out that constitutional clauses barring judicial review of presidential results posed a “serious obstacle to accountability.” Despite these concerns, President Suluhu, who was declared the winner with 98 percent of the vote, dismissed the criticism as “external interference.” She maintained that the polls were “peaceful, fair, and efficient.”
During her closed-door inauguration at a military base in Dodoma, she praised the National Electoral Commission (NEC) for its “unquestionable efficiency,” insisting that Tanzania would not be lectured by outsiders. “When [observers] praise us, we receive that praise humbly. But when they give us instructions on what to do — we reject those instructions,” Suluhu said, invoking the words of former President Benjamin Mkapa.
Pressure for Reform and Democratic Governance
With both the AU and SADC urging urgent reforms and opposition figures still detained, Khama’s remarks have amplified pressure on President Suluhu’s administration to confront allegations of authoritarianism and electoral manipulation. Khama, who has become one of Africa’s most vocal advocates for democratic governance, emphasizes that the continent’s future depends on leaders who respect constitutionalism, tolerate dissent, and submit to the will of the people.
His call for accountability resonates with many who believe that the democratic process must be upheld through transparency and fairness. As the situation in Tanzania continues to unfold, the international community remains watchful, hoping for meaningful reforms that align with democratic principles.