Tanzania's election commission reversed its weekend approval of opposition leader Luhaga Mpina on Monday. The commission blocked Mpina from competing in next month's presidential race for the second time. This decision eliminates the head of Tanzania's second-largest opposition group from the ballot. President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces only minor party challengers after the ruling. The commission had accepted Mpina's candidacy papers following a high court order that overturned an earlier rejection.
The major opposition party, CHADEMA, cannot participate after officials disqualified the group in April. Party leaders refused to sign the electoral conduct agreement while demanding voting reforms. CHADEMA presidential hopeful Tundu Lissu remains imprisoned on treason accusations he disputes. Rights organizations view these actions as government suppression before the election. ACT-Wazalendo party officials expressed hope that election authorities would permit their candidate to campaign for the presidency.
The major opposition party, CHADEMA, cannot participate after officials disqualified the group in April. Party leaders refused to sign the electoral conduct agreement while demanding voting reforms. CHADEMA presidential hopeful Tundu Lissu remains imprisoned on treason accusations he disputes. Rights organizations view these actions as government suppression before the election. ACT-Wazalendo party officials expressed hope that election authorities would permit their candidate to campaign for the presidency.
