WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) issued the following statement ahead of the general elections to be held in Tanzania on Wednesday, October 29:
“We are deeply concerned by reports of efforts to suppress free and fair elections in Tanzania. Opposition leaders have faced arbitrary arrests, intimidation and censorship, while journalists and civil society have been silenced. These actions undermine Tanzania’s democracy and could result in the least competitive election since the country embraced multi-party politics in 1992. The continued detention of opposition leader Tundu Lissu is unacceptable and he should be released immediately. We also remain alarmed by the abduction of Ambassador Humphrey Polepole, whose safe return must be secured.”
“We urge all political actors and civilians in Tanzania and Zanzibar to refrain from violence, no matter what outcome. Tanzania is a valued U.S. partner and our cooperation—through programs like the Peace Corps and PEPFAR—depends on a shared commitment to democracy and the rule of law. As Tanzanians prepare to vote, their leaders must ensure the process is peaceful, transparent and truly representative of its people.”
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