Thursday, 29 May 2025: With just months to go before Tanzania’s General Elections on October 28, 2025, digital rights watchdogs Paradigm Initiative (PIN) and Tech & Media Convergency (TMC) are raising the alarm over escalating threats to online freedoms. From growing censorship to restrictions on access to information, the two organisations at a press briefing, have warned that digital civic space is under siege at a critical time for democracy.
The press briefing, held at the close of the two-day Digital Rights and Elections in Africa Monitor (DREAM) – Tanzania Edition, highlighted emerging threats and ongoing restrictions to digital rights in the lead-up to the elections.The DREAM initiative is part of a continental project spearheaded by Paradigm Initiative to monitor, document, and respond to digital rights violations during electoral periods. This edition builds on earlier efforts during the 2024 local elections and is being implemented on the sidelines of the 2025 Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF).
“From the ongoing blockage of access to X (formerly Twitter) to the temporary suspension of Mwananchi Communications’ online platforms in October 2024, we are witnessing a shrinking digital civic space in Tanzania,” said ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director at Paradigm Initiative. “Such actions, especially during an election year, undermine access to credible information, restrict public participation, and weaken democratic accountability.”
The organisations also drew attention to:
- A historical pattern of internet shutdowns during elections, most notably during the 2020 general elections, which disrupted access to social media and hampered civic engagement.
- The revocation of media licenses and the growing use of laws such as the Cybercrimes Act (2015) and the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations (2020) to suppress dissent.
- The arrest of opposition leader Tundu Lissu and charged with treason and cybercrime charges in April 2025 the cases still pending at the Resident Magistrates Court of Dar es Salaam at Kisutu.
- The Chanzo Initiatives contents takedown of Hon. Gwajima’s Press after directives from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) on May 27, 2025.
“Despite positive trends like new electoral laws, and political reconciliation. These patterns of digital repression including online content takedowns, network restrictions, and harassment of journalists pose a real threat to a fair and inclusive digital electoral process,” said Asha Abinallah, chief executive director at Tech and Media Convergency. “Actions are taken to remedy the situation and ensure the electoral process is free and fair,” she added.
Safeguarding Digital Rights in Tanzania: Key Recommendations Ahead of the 2025 Elections
During the two-day convening, PIN and TMC trained over 50 journalists, civic actors, political candidates, and regulators on digital rights protection during elections.
Miriam Beatrice Wanjiru, Programmes Officer, East Africa at Paradigm Initiative, underscored Tanzania’s obligations under regional instruments such as:
- Principle 22 of the ACHPR Declaration on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, which discourages criminalisation of speech.
- Article 17(3) of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), which guarantees equitable access to state-controlled media.
- Article 31(2) of ACDEG, which mandates inclusive civic education, especially for underserved communities.
- In light of these developments, Paradigm Initiative and Tech & Media Convergency make the following recommendations:
To the TCRA:
- Restore full access to X (formerly Twitter) and commit to an open and accessible internet before, during, and after elections.
- Refrain from arbitrary takedowns or blocking of online media platforms.
- Ensure freedom of expression online and offline, particularly for journalists, political actors, and civic voices is guaranteed as enriched in the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania.
- Proactively disclose electoral information in accessible formats and local languages.
- To the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG):
- Monitor digital rights conditions during the electoral process and report violations transparently.
- Collaborate with civil society to raise awareness about responsible digital engagement.
To Telecommunication Companies:
- Ensure network stability and transparency around any government-directed disruptions by providing notifications to the general public.
- Publish periodic transparency reports on government content or access requests.
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