ACT-Wazalendo Presidential Candidacy Battle Escalates to High Court
Dar es Salaam – The legal battle over ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential candidacy for the October 2025 General Election has intensified, with the High Court poised to potentially restore candidate rights if legal procedures were violated.
The case centers around the controversial disqualification of presidential hopeful Luhaga Mpina, who was endorsed by the party’s General Assembly on August 6, 2025, but subsequently removed from the candidate list.
Key Dispute Highlights:
– Mpina was challenged by the party’s Regional Publicity Secretary over membership duration and party requirement compliance
– The Registrar of Political Parties revoked his nomination based on alleged procedural violations
– Mpina was prevented from resubmitting nomination forms at electoral commission offices
Critical Legal Arguments:
The core contentions revolve around party rules, specifically:
– Minimum party membership duration
– Asset declaration requirements
– Understanding of party ideology
Court Proceedings:
The High Court has set strict timelines for the case:
– Respondents must file submissions within five days
– Next court mention scheduled for September 3, 2025
– Proceedings will be accessible online
Potential Implications:
The case could significantly impact:
– Internal party democracy
– Electoral commission independence
– The upcoming general election landscape
Legal experts suggest the court’s decision will establish a crucial precedent for election-related disputes, with potential consequences for ACT-Wazalendo’s electoral prospects.
The outcome remains uncertain, but the case underscores the complex interplay between political regulations, institutional procedures, and democratic processes.
