Tanzania’s political scene has taken another dramatic turn after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) once more disqualified opposition leader Luhaga Mpina from the presidential race—just two days after briefly approving his candidacy.
The reversal effectively paves the way for President Samia Suluhu Hassan to seek re-election next month with little real competition. Mpina, leader of ACT-Wazalendo and a former ruling-party lawmaker, had been seen as a strong challenger before the latest decision. His party has condemned the move as a blow to democracy, insisting that he should be allowed to campaign freely.
The opposition space is already heavily constrained, with CHADEMA barred earlier this year and its candidate, Tundu Lissu, languishing in detention on treason charges. With both major opposition parties sidelined, many Tanzanians fear the poll will lack genuine contest and credibility.
For now, INEC has offered no clear explanation for Mpina’s second disqualification, fueling accusations of political interference and leaving the electoral process under intense scrutiny both at home and abroad.
