Nicolas J Clinton Gabone
JF-Expert Member
- Mar 13, 2014
- 892
- 536
TRANSITIONAL GOVERNANCE IN TANZANIA, FOLLOWING THE 2025 ELECTIONS
WRITTEN BY Nicolas Jovin Clinton Gabone
I do not claim the Authority to act, rather, these are my Personal views as a Tanzanian who is deeply dissatisfied with the arrogance, indifference and disregard shown by the Government regarding what transpired during and after the elections. Here, I express my reflections and stir emotions to emphasize that the government must be held accountable, this cannot pass unnoticed.
The United Republic of Tanzania, long celebrated as a beacon of stability in East Africa, faces an unprecedented rupture in it's democratic trajectory following the elections held on October 29, 2025. These elections, encompassing the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local government contests, were marred by widespread allegations of fraud, systemic suppression of opposition and violent crackdowns on civilians.
Reports from domestic sources, human rights organizations and International observers indicate hundreds of deaths, extensive human rights violations and severe restrictions on civic participation, casting deep doubts on the legitimacy of the current Administration.
In the aftermath of these events, the Nation stands at a crossroads, confronting a stark choice between perpetuating contested rule or embracing transitional governance to restore trust, justice and social cohesion.
The inauguration speech and it's implications
The inauguration speech delivered by President Samia Suluhu Hassan immediately after assuming office failed to acknowledge the human cost of election related violence, offering no formal apology or consolation to the families of the victims. Instead, it emphasized warning ⚠️, continuity and National unity, signaling a profound dissonance between the government and the citizens it purports to serve. Such a rhetorical posture amplifies social tensions and undermines public confidence in the State’s commitment to justice and accountability.
For a Nation long proud of stability and National harmony, this failure to respond to collective trauma reveals the moral and political vacuum within the current government structure.
Electoral irregularities and civilian casualties
Empirical evidence paints a troubling picture. Opposition parties, including CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo, faced systematic exclusion from the electoral process, arrests of key leaders and severe restrictions on campaigning. Internet and communication blackouts further hindered transparency and civic engagement. Reports indicate that over 700+ civilians were killed during post election protests, with thousands more injured.
Official electoral results declared President Samia the winner with 97.66% of the vote, a figure widely disputed by independent observers who described the elections as lacking true competitive freedom. The combination of widespread violence, electoral manipulation and institutional bias illustrates a critical need for structural intervention to restore legitimacy and public confidence. “If Samia Suluhu Hassan is so popular, why smear the process with blood instead of a fair election?”
Comparative examples of transitional governments
Comparative experiences from other Nations underscore the importance of transitional governance in contexts of political crisis. In Sierra Leone (2002–2007), Kenya (2008–2009), Malawi (2012–2014), and Tunisia (2011–2014), transitional governments successfully facilitated political reconciliation, established independent oversight and prepared societies for credible elections. Common factors in these cases included the appointment of neutral leadership, inclusive representation of political and civil society actors, transparent judicial and electoral processes, and the active involvement of international guarantors.
Such experiences demonstrate that transitional governance is not a concession of weakness but a strategic mechanism to rebuild trust, ensure justice and establish conditions for sustainable democracy.
The rationale for a transitional government in Tanzania
The rationale for a transitional government in Tanzania is both moral and pragmatic. Firstly, it would restore legitimacy to compromised institutions, including the electoral commission, judiciary and security apparatus, ensuring they operate free from partisan influence.
Secondly, transitional governance allows for accountability, independent inquiries into civilian casualties and human rights violations are essential to uphold the rule of law and provide redress to victims.
Thirdly, it creates a neutral platform for constitutional and electoral reforms, strengthening democratic foundations for the future.
Fourthly, transitional governance facilitates social reconciliation, providing mechanisms to heal ethnic, regional and political divides exacerbated by the election crisis.
Finally, it supports economic stabilization by creating a predictable and lawful environment that reassures investors and protects livelihoods.
Indicators and benchmarks for success
For transitional governance to succeed in The United Republic of Tanzania, clear benchmarks and indicators are essential. These include the timely establishment of independent investigative commissions to examine election related violence, legal accountability for perpetrators, reform of electoral processes, structured preparation for credible elections within a defined timeframe and active engagement of civil society, youth and women in governance processes.
International oversight, including the African Union, United Nations and Regional bodies such as the East African Community, Individual actors can serve as guarantors to ensure transparency and compliance with agreed frameworks. Additionally, civic education initiatives and free, independent media are vital tools for rebuilding public trust and political literacy.
Moral and political imperatives
The case for transitional governance is not merely technical, it is a moral imperative. It acknowledges the suffering of citizens, confronts the failings of current leadership and lays the groundwork for a future in which Tanzanians can once again trust in the integrity of their government.
Failure to pursue this path risks entrenching authoritarianism, perpetuating cycles of violence and eroding the social fabric that has historically held the Nation together. Conversely, a well structured transitional government offers a pathway toward justice, reconciliation and democratic renewal, creating conditions in which credible elections can be held and civil society can flourish.
Recommendations from me
Immediate establishment of a transitional government with inclusive representation across political, civil society and Regional lines.
Formation of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate post election violence and recommend legal action.
Implementation of electoral reforms, including neutral electoral oversight and measures against fraud.
Public acknowledgment and reconciliation initiatives to address civilian grievances.
Engagement of International observers and guarantors AU, UN, EAC to ensure accountability and transparency.
Structured timeline for next credible elections within 18–24 months.
Civic education and empowerment programs to rebuild trust and political literacy among citizens.
Now,
The events following Tanzania’s October 2025 elections demand urgent, decisive action. The establishment of a transitional government is not a political convenience but a necessary step to restore legitimacy, ensure accountability and safeguard the democratic rights of citizens. It is a framework for healing National wounds, rebuilding trust in institutions and preparing the Country for credible and fair elections.
Tanzania stands at a historic juncture, a choice between perpetuating contested authority or embracing transitional governance as a foundation for a just, inclusive and stable future. The Nation’s path forward depends on moral courage, political will, and a collective commitment to justice, accountability and democratic principles.
WRITTEN BY Nicolas Jovin Clinton Gabone,
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
5th November 2025.
WRITTEN BY Nicolas Jovin Clinton Gabone
I do not claim the Authority to act, rather, these are my Personal views as a Tanzanian who is deeply dissatisfied with the arrogance, indifference and disregard shown by the Government regarding what transpired during and after the elections. Here, I express my reflections and stir emotions to emphasize that the government must be held accountable, this cannot pass unnoticed.
The United Republic of Tanzania, long celebrated as a beacon of stability in East Africa, faces an unprecedented rupture in it's democratic trajectory following the elections held on October 29, 2025. These elections, encompassing the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local government contests, were marred by widespread allegations of fraud, systemic suppression of opposition and violent crackdowns on civilians.
Reports from domestic sources, human rights organizations and International observers indicate hundreds of deaths, extensive human rights violations and severe restrictions on civic participation, casting deep doubts on the legitimacy of the current Administration.
In the aftermath of these events, the Nation stands at a crossroads, confronting a stark choice between perpetuating contested rule or embracing transitional governance to restore trust, justice and social cohesion.
The inauguration speech and it's implications
The inauguration speech delivered by President Samia Suluhu Hassan immediately after assuming office failed to acknowledge the human cost of election related violence, offering no formal apology or consolation to the families of the victims. Instead, it emphasized warning ⚠️, continuity and National unity, signaling a profound dissonance between the government and the citizens it purports to serve. Such a rhetorical posture amplifies social tensions and undermines public confidence in the State’s commitment to justice and accountability.
For a Nation long proud of stability and National harmony, this failure to respond to collective trauma reveals the moral and political vacuum within the current government structure.
Electoral irregularities and civilian casualties
Empirical evidence paints a troubling picture. Opposition parties, including CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo, faced systematic exclusion from the electoral process, arrests of key leaders and severe restrictions on campaigning. Internet and communication blackouts further hindered transparency and civic engagement. Reports indicate that over 700+ civilians were killed during post election protests, with thousands more injured.
Official electoral results declared President Samia the winner with 97.66% of the vote, a figure widely disputed by independent observers who described the elections as lacking true competitive freedom. The combination of widespread violence, electoral manipulation and institutional bias illustrates a critical need for structural intervention to restore legitimacy and public confidence. “If Samia Suluhu Hassan is so popular, why smear the process with blood instead of a fair election?”
Comparative examples of transitional governments
Comparative experiences from other Nations underscore the importance of transitional governance in contexts of political crisis. In Sierra Leone (2002–2007), Kenya (2008–2009), Malawi (2012–2014), and Tunisia (2011–2014), transitional governments successfully facilitated political reconciliation, established independent oversight and prepared societies for credible elections. Common factors in these cases included the appointment of neutral leadership, inclusive representation of political and civil society actors, transparent judicial and electoral processes, and the active involvement of international guarantors.
Such experiences demonstrate that transitional governance is not a concession of weakness but a strategic mechanism to rebuild trust, ensure justice and establish conditions for sustainable democracy.
The rationale for a transitional government in Tanzania
The rationale for a transitional government in Tanzania is both moral and pragmatic. Firstly, it would restore legitimacy to compromised institutions, including the electoral commission, judiciary and security apparatus, ensuring they operate free from partisan influence.
Secondly, transitional governance allows for accountability, independent inquiries into civilian casualties and human rights violations are essential to uphold the rule of law and provide redress to victims.
Thirdly, it creates a neutral platform for constitutional and electoral reforms, strengthening democratic foundations for the future.
Fourthly, transitional governance facilitates social reconciliation, providing mechanisms to heal ethnic, regional and political divides exacerbated by the election crisis.
Finally, it supports economic stabilization by creating a predictable and lawful environment that reassures investors and protects livelihoods.
Indicators and benchmarks for success
For transitional governance to succeed in The United Republic of Tanzania, clear benchmarks and indicators are essential. These include the timely establishment of independent investigative commissions to examine election related violence, legal accountability for perpetrators, reform of electoral processes, structured preparation for credible elections within a defined timeframe and active engagement of civil society, youth and women in governance processes.
International oversight, including the African Union, United Nations and Regional bodies such as the East African Community, Individual actors can serve as guarantors to ensure transparency and compliance with agreed frameworks. Additionally, civic education initiatives and free, independent media are vital tools for rebuilding public trust and political literacy.
Moral and political imperatives
The case for transitional governance is not merely technical, it is a moral imperative. It acknowledges the suffering of citizens, confronts the failings of current leadership and lays the groundwork for a future in which Tanzanians can once again trust in the integrity of their government.
Failure to pursue this path risks entrenching authoritarianism, perpetuating cycles of violence and eroding the social fabric that has historically held the Nation together. Conversely, a well structured transitional government offers a pathway toward justice, reconciliation and democratic renewal, creating conditions in which credible elections can be held and civil society can flourish.
Recommendations from me
Immediate establishment of a transitional government with inclusive representation across political, civil society and Regional lines.
Formation of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate post election violence and recommend legal action.
Implementation of electoral reforms, including neutral electoral oversight and measures against fraud.
Public acknowledgment and reconciliation initiatives to address civilian grievances.
Engagement of International observers and guarantors AU, UN, EAC to ensure accountability and transparency.
Structured timeline for next credible elections within 18–24 months.
Civic education and empowerment programs to rebuild trust and political literacy among citizens.
Now,
The events following Tanzania’s October 2025 elections demand urgent, decisive action. The establishment of a transitional government is not a political convenience but a necessary step to restore legitimacy, ensure accountability and safeguard the democratic rights of citizens. It is a framework for healing National wounds, rebuilding trust in institutions and preparing the Country for credible and fair elections.
Tanzania stands at a historic juncture, a choice between perpetuating contested authority or embracing transitional governance as a foundation for a just, inclusive and stable future. The Nation’s path forward depends on moral courage, political will, and a collective commitment to justice, accountability and democratic principles.
WRITTEN BY Nicolas Jovin Clinton Gabone,
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
5th November 2025.
