Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission on Saturday cleared senior opposition leader Luhaga Mpina to contest in next month’s presidential election, following a court ruling that overturned his earlier disqualification.
Mpina, a prominent figure in the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo) party, had initially been barred from submitting his nomination papers by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), a decision that sparked public outcry and legal action.
However, on Thursday, the High Court ruled in his favor, allowing him to formally present his nomination documents.
The court found that the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties had acted unlawfully by disqualifying him over procedural complaints related to his party’s nomination process.
Mpina’s reinstatement reshapes the political landscape ahead of the highly anticipated October 29 election, which was previously set to feature President Samia Suluhu Hassan facing only minor opposition candidates.
Hassan, who has been in office since March 2021, is seeking a new term under the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
ACT-Wazalendo, now with its top candidate officially in the race, becomes the main opposition force in an election already marred by controversy.
Opposition parties have faced increasing pressure under President Hassan’s administration.
In April, the country’s largest opposition party, CHADEMA, was disqualified from participating in the election after refusing to sign the electoral code of conduct, citing a lack of democratic reforms.
CHADEMA leader and presidential hopeful Tundu Lissu was later arrested and charged with treason a move critics say is part of a broader crackdown on dissent.
President Hassan has repeatedly denied accusations of stifling democratic freedoms, insisting that her administration is committed to upholding human rights and ensuring a fair electoral process.
With just weeks to go until the vote, the inclusion of Mpina in the race is expected to reinvigorate opposition supporters and add fresh momentum to ACT-Wazalendo’s campaign.
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