SULUHU'S PRESIDENTIAL RIVAL BARRED FROM CONTESTING

Tanzania’s opposition has accused the country’s electoral commission of undermining democracy after blocking its presidential hopeful from running against incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan in elections scheduled for October.

The Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT Wazalendo) said on Wednesday that its candidate, Luhaga Mpina, was denied the chance to submit his nomination papers. According to the party, Mpina had collected the official forms but was prevented from handing them in when he arrived at the commission’s offices.

ACT Wazalendo said it later received a letter from the commission stating Mpina was “unqualified” to contest. The party condemned the move as “embarrassing” and argued it calls into question the competence and independence of the electoral body.

“This is a dangerous precedent for the future of our nation and our democracy,” the party said in a statement, warning that such decisions open the door to arbitrary disqualification of candidates outside legal processes.

The party has vowed to challenge the ruling in court even as the official campaign period kicks off on Thursday, August 28.

The development adds to concerns over shrinking political space in Tanzania. International rights groups have repeatedly criticized the government for silencing dissent, and opposition figures face mounting legal battles. ACT Wazalendo’s move comes as prominent opposition leader Tundu Lissu remains in detention, awaiting trial on treason charges that could carry the death penalty.