Repression Threatens Elections In Tanzania, Rights Group Says

 

Tanzania is experiencing intensified political repression, raising concerns about the transparency of the October's elections, Human Rights Watch has said.

The rights group said critics of the ruling party have been suppressed and the government has failed to ensure the electoral commission's independence. 

"The authorities need to stop muzzling dissenting voices and the media, and instead engage in meaningful reforms to ensure free, fair and credible elections," HRW's researcher, Nomathamsanqa Masiko-Mpaka, said.

The researcher called for "immediate measures" to protect the integrity of the October elections, "which are currently at great risk,"

In a statement, the rights group urged President Samia Suluhu's government to uphold a pledge made at the United Nations Human Rights Council in June to protect human rights and democratic principles throughout the election period.

— All Africa