Tanzania’s electoral commission has cleared President Samia Suluhu Hassan to contest in the October 29 election while barring key opposition candidates, leaving her to face contenders only from smaller parties. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed Suluhu and her running mate, Emmanuel Nchimb,i after receiving their nomination forms on Wednesday.
Why Were Main Opposition Parties Blocked?
The October vote will take place without participation from the main opposition party, CHADEMA, which was disqualified in April for refusing to sign the electoral code of conduct as part of its call for reforms. Its chairman, Tundu Lissu, has been in jail for over four months after being charged with treason, charges he has denied. His detention, alongside reports of abductions of government critics, has put Suluhu’s human rights record under scrutiny, despite her insistence that her government is committed to respecting rights.
INEC also rejected nomination papers from Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, Tanzania’s second-largest opposition party. The Registrar of Political Parties had earlier disqualified Mpina over alleged irregularities in his party’s primaries, following a complaint from a member. Mpina, a former CCM legislator and recent defector, has been an outspoken government critic.
“This decision is not only shameful but it is raising more questions about the integrity, seriousness, professionalism and the independence of the electoral commission,” ACT-Wazalendo’s Secretary General Ado Shaibu said in a statement.
What Has Suluhu Said About Her Campaign?
Following her clearance, President Suluhu posted on X, urging her Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party to rally behind her. She wrote, “maintain unity to ensure victory for our party and for God’s permission to return to serve citizens.”
What Comes Next for Tanzania’s Election?
With nominations closed, Suluhu now heads into her first presidential race since assuming office in 2021 after the death of John Magufuli. The disqualification of major opposition players has set the stage for a heavily one-sided election, sparking debate on democracy, fairness, and political freedoms in East Africa’s second-largest economy.
By Yockshrd Enyendi