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Opposition party ACT Wazalendo has renewed its call for an independent international investigation into events surrounding the October 29, 2025 General Election, saying the presidential commission established by the government may not command sufficient public confidence.
The party said while it welcomed the decision to investigate the incidents, it questioned the independence of the commission, citing its composition, terms of reference and the manner in which it was established.
In a statement, ACT Wazalendo argued that allegations involving state institutions should be investigated by a body independent of the authorities facing the accusations.
“The government being accused of failing to prevent or being involved in serious human rights violations cannot be the same authority that establishes, directs and oversees a body investigating those allegations,” the party said.
ACT Wazalendo said the commission’s terms of reference appeared to focus heavily on people suspected of involvement in violence, while giving less emphasis to allegations involving deaths, injuries, missing persons and other human rights violations.
The party said this approach risked undermining confidence among victims, citizens and the international community in the outcome of the inquiry.
It argued that the investigation should instead be designed to establish the facts surrounding the events, determine responsibility and ensure accountability regardless of who may have been involved.
ACT Wazalendo therefore called for an international inquiry to be conducted or supervised by an independent institution with international recognition, proposing the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU) or Southern African Development Community (SADC) as possible mechanisms.
The party said such an arrangement would provide greater assurance of impartiality and help address concerns raised by victims and other stakeholders.
Beyond the investigation, ACT Wazalendo called on the government to release prisoners and suspects facing cases it described as politically motivated.
It also urged authorities to provide victims with medical, legal, psychological and financial assistance.
The party further called for the government to begin what it described as a genuine process towards a new Constitution and undertake political reforms aimed at strengthening independent institutions and preventing a recurrence of similar incidents.
“Lasting peace cannot be built by concealing the truth. It can only be built by bringing the truth into the open and ensuring that the law takes its course without favour,” ACT Wazalendo said.
The statement adds to calls from opposition and other stakeholders for greater scrutiny of the events surrounding the 2025 election, with the debate increasingly centred on the independence, credibility and scope of investigations into the incidents.