Nairobi, Kenya- Tanzania’s October 29 presidential election is shaping up to be a one-sided contest after the electoral commission disqualified the candidate of the country’s second-largest opposition party, effectively leaving President Samia Suluhu Hassan with no serious challenger.
On Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed Hassan’s nomination alongside her running mate, Emmanuel Nchimbi, clearing the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) leader to officially seek a fresh mandate.
But in a dramatic twist, INEC barred Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo from submitting his papers, denying the opposition party the chance to field a candidate.
This comes just months after CHADEMA—the largest opposition force—was disqualified in April for refusing to sign the electoral code of conduct as part of its push for reforms.
The move has raised fresh questions about Tanzania’s democratic space, with critics accusing the electoral body of bias.
Hassan’s Smooth Path
Moments after receiving the green light, President Hassan took to X (formerly Twitter), urging her CCM supporters to stay united:
“Let’s maintain our unity to ensure victory for our party and, with God’s permission, to continue serving citizens.”
This will be her first time on the ballot since taking over in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli.
Opposition in Disarray
The sidelining of both CHADEMA and ACT-Wazalendo means Hassan is likely to face only minor candidates in October’s race. CHADEMA’s chairman, Tundu Lissu, has been in detention since April on treason charges he insists are politically motivated. His arrest, alongside recent abductions of government critics, has intensified scrutiny of Hassan’s human rights record.
For ACT-Wazalendo, the commission cited internal nomination disputes as the reason for blocking Mpina’s candidacy. The former CCM lawmaker had defected earlier this month, quickly emerging as one of the president’s most outspoken critics.
ACT-Wazalendo’s Secretary General, Ado Shaibu, condemned the decision, calling it “shameful” and questioning the integrity and independence of the electoral commission
With nominations now officially closed, the ruling CCM appears set for an easy ride in October, unless last-minute legal challenges by opposition parties succeed.
For many Tanzanians, however, the absence of the country’s two biggest opposition parties on the ballot risks turning the vote into little more than a formality.
