Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has been selected as part of the African Union (AU) Election Observation Mission overseeing Tanzania’s general election scheduled for Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
In a post shared on her X (formerly Twitter) account, Passaris expressed her gratitude and honour at being part of the mission. She underscored the importance of ensuring a credible, peaceful, and transparent electoral process in the East African region.
“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 dedication to safeguarding democratic values and fairness.
Passaris extended her goodwill to Tanzanians, wishing for a peaceful and transparent election that reflects the will of the people and strengthens unity in the region.
“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.
AU Observation Mission
The African Union Commission confirmed the deployment of the AUEOM, which will monitor presidential, parliamentary, and local council elections across Tanzania. The mission, invited by the Tanzanian government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), is led by former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, with support from former Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama.
Comprising 72 observers from 31 African countries, the mission includes ambassadors, Pan-African Parliament members, election and human rights experts, gender specialists, and youth representatives. Their mandate is to assess the polls’ compliance with AU principles, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and international standards.
Over 37 million registered voters are participating in this election, which has drawn global attention due to limited opposition participation. Incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan is widely expected to secure re-election amid concerns over fairness and inclusivity.
Passaris’s involvement highlights Kenya’s growing role in regional democratic oversight and the AU’s commitment to strengthening governance across Africa.
