Tanzania’s Electoral Commission Disqualifies ACT-Wazalendo Presidential Candidate Weeks Before General Election
In a significant development for the upcoming national elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission has disqualified ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential candidate Luhaga Joelson Mpina from the October 29 General Election.
The electoral body confirmed on Monday that an objection filed by the Attorney General was upheld, resulting in the immediate removal of Mpina’s name from the presidential candidates list. This decision comes after a review of multiple objections submitted between September 13 and 14, 2025.
While three out of four objections were dismissed, the Attorney General’s challenge against Mpina’s candidacy was sustained, effectively leaving ACT-Wazalendo without a presidential candidate just weeks before the critical national polls.
The Commission formally stated, “The candidate’s name has been removed from the list of candidates for the Presidency of the United Republic of Tanzania in the 2025 General Election.”
This unexpected disqualification represents a major strategic setback for the opposition party, potentially reshaping the electoral landscape and challenging their electoral prospects in the upcoming national election.
The decision underscores the rigorous candidate verification process implemented by the electoral commission and highlights the critical legal scrutiny candidates must navigate during the nomination phase.
