In a dramatic turn ahead of the October 29 general election, Tanzania’s election authority has barred key opposition figures, clearing the field for President Samia Suluhu Hassan—with only marginal candidates left to contest.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed President Hassan and her running mate, Emmanuel Nchimbi, have been formally cleared to run. However, Luhaga Mpina, the presidential candidate from the opposition ACT-Wazalendo party, was denied entry at the commission’s gate and informed via letter that he was unqualified to submit his nomination forms. Mpina’s party immediately denounced the move as “embarrassing” and pledged legal action, warning it sets a perilous precedent for democratic fairness.
Further deepening the crisis of political pluralism, the main opposition party, CHADEMA, had already been disqualified in April for refusing to sign the electoral code of conduct amid its demands for meaningful reforms. Its leader, Tundu Lissu, is also imprisoned on treason charges. Critics accuse the government of systematically undermining electoral integrity.
President Hassan, who ascended to power in 2021 following the death of her predecessor, has stated her administration respects human rights. Yet, the absence of credible challengers and the crackdown on dissent continue to attract international scrutiny and concern.
