The Tanzania’s electoral commission has barred the presidential candidate of the country’s second-largest opposition party, ACT-Wazalendo, from contesting the upcoming October 29 election. The move leaves President Samia Suluhu Hassan facing only candidates from smaller parties.
Electoral Commission Clears Hassan
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) approved Hassan and her running mate, Emmanuel Nchimbi, after receiving their nomination forms on Wednesday.
Hassan, who leads the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, urged her supporters to maintain unity to ensure victory. This will be her first presidential race since assuming office in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli.
Opposition Parties Disqualified
The exclusion of ACT-Wazalendo comes just months after leading opposition party Chadema was disqualified in April. Chadema refused to sign the electoral code of conduct as part of its demand for reforms. Its chairperson, Tundu Lissu, has been detained since April on treason charges, which he denies.
On Tuesday, the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties also disqualified ACT-Wazalendo candidate Luhaga Mpina, citing internal party disputes over nomination procedures. Mpina, a former CCM lawmaker who defected earlier this month, criticized the decision as politically motivated.
Concerns Over Democracy
ACT-Wazalendo’s secretary-general, Ado Shaibu, condemned the ruling, calling it “shameful” and questioning the independence of the electoral commission. Human rights advocates have also raised concerns, pointing to recent abductions of government critics and restrictions on opposition activity.
With Chadema and ACT-Wazalendo excluded, President Hassan’s path to reelection appears significantly eased, though critics warn the decision undermines democratic credibility ahead of the polls.
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