ACT Wazalendo has rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to disqualify its presidential candidate, Luhaga Joelson Mpina, calling it unjust and legally flawed.
The party received a notice from INEC confirming that it had accepted objections filed by the Attorney General and presidential candidates from the AAFP and NRA parties, resulting in the removal of Mpina from the race.
In contrast, INEC rejected a complaint lodged by Mpina against the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) candidate, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, without providing reasons for dismissing the arguments presented.
ACT Wazalendo says the Commission’s decision disregards legal principles and violates the party’s and candidate’s rights.
The ruling relied on a decision by the Registrar of Political Parties, which the party had already appealed to the High Court through case number 23428 of 2025 at the Dodoma Principal Registry.
According to ACT Wazalendo, INEC had no authority to act before the court hears the matter, which is scheduled for 2:00 PM today before Judge Wilbert Chuma.
The party describes INEC’s action as a serious challenge to the judiciary and a breach of Tanzania’s Constitution.
National Party Leader Dorothy Semu convened an emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee to review the situation and consider calling a full Central Committee and National Council meeting to chart a political and legal way forward.
ACT Wazalendo further accused CCM and the government of attempting to suppress multi-party democracy, describing the removal of their candidate as evidence of a deliberate effort to undermine the democratic process.
The party urges its leaders and candidates across the country to remain steadfast in engaging voters and continuing their campaigns despite the obstacles.