Joseph Isangura
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially annulled the presidential nomination of Luhaga Joelson Mpina, the candidate representing the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo,
following the acceptance of a legal objection filed by the Attorney General, Hamza Saidi Johari. The decision, made during a commission meeting on September 15, 2025, removes Mpina from the list of candidates in the upcoming general election scheduled for October 29.
INEC had received a total of four objections: three against Mpina’s nomination and one against the nomination of Samia Suluhu Hassan of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. While three objections—including those lodged by rival candidates and even Mpina himself against Samia Suluhu Hassan—were dismissed, the Attorney General’s objection against Mpina was upheld.
This ruling marks the second time Mpina has faced significant hurdles in his bid for the presidency. Earlier, he was prevented from submitting his nomination forms due to a separate objection from the Registrar of Political Parties, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding candidate eligibility in Tanzania’s electoral system.
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With the cancellation of Mpina’s nomination, ACT-Wazalendo is left without a presidential candidate mere weeks before the election. The decision has prompted questions about the party’s next steps and its ability to remain competitive in the rapidly approaching polls.
Political analysts suggest this development could reshape the campaign landscape, as voters and party supporters adjust to the sudden absence of a major opposition candidate. Observers note that the ruling also underscores the importance of following both party procedures and national legal frameworks when nominating candidates.
While ACT-Wazalendo has yet to announce a formal response, the party’s leadership is expected to consider legal and strategic options in the coming days. Meanwhile, Samia Suluhu Hassan’s nomination remains uncontested following the dismissal of the objection against her, potentially solidifying her position as the frontrunner in the election.
