Tanzania’s electoral commission announced on Monday the disqualification of opposition presidential candidate Luhaga Mpina for the second time.
Mpina heads the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo), the nation’s second-largest opposition party. This decision revokes his eligibility just weeks before the October election.
Court Challenge Overturned
The move follows Mpina’s recent court victory. He had successfully contested an initial disqualification, compelling the commission to approve his nomination.
However, the commission has now reversed that ruling, citing unspecified reasons. ACT-Wazalendo labeled the action “baseless” and driven by political motives.
Path Clears for Incumbent President
Mpina’s exclusion strengthens President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s position. She assumed office in March 2021 after President John Magufuli’s death, without a direct election.
Now, only candidates from minor parties appear eligible to challenge her. This development raises concerns about the election’s competitiveness.
CHADEMA’s Earlier Setback
The leading opposition party, CHADEMA, faced disqualification in April for not signing the electoral code of conduct.
This stemmed from their push for electoral reforms. CHADEMA’s leader, Tundu Lissu, has been imprisoned for over five months on treason charges since April. He denies the allegations.
Rising Repression Concerns
Rights groups highlight Lissu’s detention and recent crackdowns on critics as signs of pre-election suppression. In June, United Nations human rights experts urged Tanzania to end enforced disappearances of opponents, defenders, and journalists.
They condemned the pattern of repression, including media restrictions and intimidation, as unacceptable ahead of the October vote.
