Tanzania Opposition Candidate Barred Again Before Election

Saturday 20th September 2025

by inAfrika Newsroom

Tanzania candidate barred again. The electoral commission on Monday disqualified opposition figure Luhaga Mpina for a second time, after first clearing him two days earlier. The reversal leaves President Samia Suluhu Hassan facing only minor challengers next month. Rights groups say the race has narrowed sharply in recent weeks

Ruling and Reversal

The commission said it had rejected Mpina’s nomination again, undoing a court-backed approval issued over the weekend. Officials did not provide a full public brief on the new objection. The decision follows weeks of disputes over paperwork and code-of-conduct rules. Mpina leads the country’s second-largest opposition party. His team called the move “unfair” and asked the body to restore his name on the ballot.

A commission statement confirmed the action on Monday. Lawyers for Mpina said they would study the notice and consider another appeal. The dispute has disrupted early campaign plans and created uncertainty for local organisers. Election timetables remain in place, but party schedules may shift again if courts reopen the case.

Opposition and Rights Concerns

The main opposition party CHADEMA was removed from the race in April. The party refused to sign the election code as part of a reform push. Its presidential hopeful Tundu Lissu has been in jail since April on treason charges, which he denies. Rights groups say recent abductions of critics and arrests point to a wider crackdown. Government officials reject that view and say the process follows the law.

Activists warn the ballot will proceed without the largest opposition force and its most prominent figure. Observers say that will shape turnout and the legitimacy debate after results post. Watchdogs urge open access for poll agents and the press. They also call for fast publication of station-level tallies to ease tension on count night.

What Happens Next

Parties now finalise agent lists, logistics and media plans. Mpina’s party says it will keep campaigning while it seeks relief in court. Smaller parties weigh strategy in a field that has narrowed. Police say they will secure rallies and protect polling sites. Civil groups plan hotlines for reporting incidents on voting day.

Diplomats have asked all sides to avoid provocation. They stress the need for peaceful campaigns and credible counts. The commission says the national calendar stands. Ballot printing, distribution and training continue on schedule. Results are due soon after polls close, according to the official plan.