Tanzania's electoral body disqualifies opposition candidates, leaving President Samia Suluhu with little competition
Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo was barred from contesting on grounds of failing to meet legal requirements, charges his party rejects as politically motivated.
Tanzania's electoral commission has disqualified opposition candidates from the country's second- and third-largest parties, leaving President Samia Suluhu Hassan with little serious competition in October's polls.
Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo was barred from contesting on grounds of failing to meet legal requirements, charges his party rejects as politically motivated.
More To Read
- How Tanzania’s ex-envoy is turning into President Samia’s firebrand critic
- Tanzania VP Mpango orders police to intensify online monitoring ahead of October election
- Tanzanian president launches Chinese-built commercial, logistics hub
- EAC warns partner states against unilateral directives undermining Common Market Protocol
- Ex-Tanzanian minister January Makamba barred from defending seat ahead of key primaries
- Tanzania sets October 29 General Election date amid opposition exclusion fears
Security officers blocked him from submitting his nomination papers in Dodoma, prompting ACT to accuse the commission of undermining its constitutional independence.
Chadema, the main opposition party, is already sidelined: its leader, Tundu Lissu, faces treason charges and his party has been barred outright from the race.
That effectively clears the field for Samia, who is seeking her first electoral mandate after succeeding John Magufuli in 2021.
Critics say the exclusions underscore the shrinking political space in Tanzania.
"These decisions are not only shameful but raise serious questions about the integrity, competence, professionalism, and independence of the commission," ACT-Wazalendo said in a statement.
Earlier on Wednesday, President Samia officially submitted her nomination forms to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), becoming the first candidate to do so ahead of the country's October elections, in which she is seeking re-election.
Samia arrived at INEC's offices around 8:00 am, clad in her party Chama cha Mapinduzi's (CCM) colours. She was accompanied by her running mate, Ambassador Emmanuel John Chimbi and received by INEC Director of Elections, Ramadhan Kailima.
This marked the second occasion Samia has led the nomination process, having been the first candidate to collect forms as well.
In a subsequent statement on X, Samia expressed her gratitude to CCM members for their support in sponsoring her nomination, highlighting the role of party unity across all regions in the country.
"Today at the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dodoma, accompanied by my running mate, Ambassador Ndugu Emmanuel John Chimbi, I returned my nomination forms to contest for the position of President of the United Republic of Tanzania in the 2025 General Elections," the statement issued in Swahili roughly translates.
"I am deeply grateful to the members of our party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), who represented millions of our fellow members from every region in the country, for supporting me in the sponsorship forms."
Samia also stressed the importance of upholding unity and peace during the polls' campaign period, while likewise reaffirming her commitment to serving Tanzanians with integrity.
"As we head towards launching the election campaigns, let us continue to maintain this unity to ensure our party's victory, and with the permission of God, let us return to continue serving the people as they have expected," she said.
Top Stories Today
