Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 11 November 2025. It was answered by Chris Elmore (Labour) on Monday, 17 November 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Tanzania: Elections

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the legitimacy of the general election in Tanzania in October 2025.

Answer: Alongside her counterparts from Canada and Norway, the Foreign Secretary published a statement on 31 October, stating: "We are concerned by the situation in Tanzania following the national elections of 28 and 29 October. There are credible reports of a large number of fatalities and significant injuries, as a result of the security response to protests, which began on 29 October. We urge the authorities - as previously discussed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - to act with maximum restraint and respect the right of assembly and freedom of expression. We remain concerned that the run-up to the elections was marked by harassment, abductions and intimidation of opposition figures, journalists and civil society actors. We call on the Tanzanian authorities to uphold their international commitments and ensure that all citizens can participate freely and safely in public life." We are continuing to monitor the situation.

Secondary information