ACT-Wazalendo has officially entered the 2025 presidential race by naming Luhaga Joelson Mpina as its presidential candidate, signaling a bold strategic move to challenge the long-dominant ruling party, CCM.
Mpina clinched the nomination during the party’s Special General Congress held this week, where 610 delegates cast their votes.
He won decisively, securing 559 of the 605 valid votes, while his opponent Aaron Kalikawe managed only 46. Five ballots were rejected.
The party also confirmed Fatma Abdulhabib Ferej as the vice-presidential running mate, pairing Mpina with a seasoned political figure known for championing gender equity and national unity.
Mpina's rise within ACT-Wazalendo follows his high-profile defection from CCM earlier this year—a move that shook the political landscape.
As a former Minister of Livestock and Fisheries and a long-time CCM legislator, Mpina brought with him not only political experience but also public recognition.
His departure from the ruling party reflected deepening dissatisfaction among some senior figures over governance and internal party democracy.
By fielding Mpina, ACT-Wazalendo is betting on a candidate who combines insider knowledge of government operations with a reformist agenda.
The party hopes his national stature will energize its base and attract undecided voters ahead of what is shaping up to be a competitive and closely watched general election.
The selection marks a turning point for ACT-Wazalendo as it sharpens its electoral strategy.
With its campaign now centered on political transformation, transparency, and economic justice, the party believes it can mount a credible challenge in 2025 and disrupt CCM’s decades-long grip on power.