The chairman of the commission investigating incidents of violence during and after the October 29, 2025 General Election, retired judge Othman Chande, has said the extension of the commission’s mandate was necessary to ensure the final report reflects truth, justice and professional integrity.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam, Justice Chande dismissed claims circulating on social media that the commission had been granted an additional 21 days to alter or manipulate its findings.
Instead, he explained that the extension was granted for professional and technical reasons aimed at ensuring the report is thorough and credible.
Justice Chande said four main factors prompted the extension. These include the continued submission of new evidence, the need for specialised scientific advice from experts, the detailed analysis of the large amount of evidence collected, and the preparation of the final report in both English and Swahili so that it can be understood by all citizens.
“The commission has been granted additional time for four reasons. First, more evidence is still being submitted. Second, we requested professional advice from scientific experts who are continuing to assist us. Third, we need sufficient time to thoroughly analyse the extensive evidence collected,” he said.
“The final reason is to ensure the report is released simultaneously in two languages—English and Kiswahili—so that every Tanzanian can understand it,” he added.
Justice Chande said the reasons for the extension were publicly announced and published in the government gazette, assuring citizens that the commission’s work is being conducted independently and without external pressure.
The commission was established on November 20, 2025 by President Samia Suluhu Hassan to investigate incidents that occurred during and after the October 2025 General Election.
Initially, the commission was given 90 days to complete its work before the mandate was extended by an additional 42 days. Earlier this week, it was granted a further 21-day extension, meaning the commission is now expected to complete its work by April 24, 2026.
Among its responsibilities is investigating the causes of election-related violence that reportedly led to several deaths and widespread destruction of property, including public offices, fuel stations and police posts.
