Tanzania's electoral commission reversed its decision and banned opposition candidate Luhaga Mpina from participating in October's presidential race. The commission accepted Attorney General Hamza Saidi Johari's objection against Mpina's nomination from the Alliance for Change and Transparency party. This marks the second time authorities have disqualified the candidate after he successfully appealed an earlier ruling through the courts. The commission had previously approved his candidacy last week before changing course.
ACT-Wazalendo leaders denounced the disqualification as politically motivated and without merit. President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces reduced opposition after the ruling party eliminated major challengers. The dominant Chadema party was disqualified in April for refusing to sign electoral conduct agreements. Their presidential candidate, Tundu Lissu, remains imprisoned on treason charges he denies. Rights organizations report government crackdowns against critics before the October 29 election.
ACT-Wazalendo leaders denounced the disqualification as politically motivated and without merit. President Samia Suluhu Hassan faces reduced opposition after the ruling party eliminated major challengers. The dominant Chadema party was disqualified in April for refusing to sign electoral conduct agreements. Their presidential candidate, Tundu Lissu, remains imprisoned on treason charges he denies. Rights organizations report government crackdowns against critics before the October 29 election.
