The article addresses the troubling trend of election-related repression in East Africa, focusing on the recent presidential elections in Uganda and Tanzania, where human rights violations significantly marred the electoral process. In Uganda's January 2026 elections and Tanzania's October 2025 polls, activities such as detentions, arrests, and intimidation of political opponents occurred widely, raising concerns over the integrity of democratic processes in these nations. With Kenya approaching its own presidential elections in 2027, the atmosphere is tense, as political violence has already broken out in the lead-up, reflecting a worrying pattern across the region.

As Kenya's political landscape becomes increasingly charged, the government's crackdown on dissent has been met with mass protests and a demand for electoral integrity. Civil society leaders throughout East Africa are seeking innovative strategies to safeguard civic space and promote fair elections. The emerging initiatives underscore the civil society's determination to cultivate an environment where citizens' rights to participation and free expression are upheld, as they push back against the repressive actions of their governments.

In light of these developments, the article poses critical questions regarding the normalization of political repression during elections in East Africa and the potential interventions needed to combat this trend. It suggests that international actors could play a pivotal role in mitigating election-related violence through established frameworks that have previously proven effective. As the region grapples with these pressing issues, the pursuit of genuine democratic processes appears increasingly challenging yet vital for the future of governance and human rights in East Africa.