The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disqualified ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential aspirant, Luhaga Joelson Mpina, from contesting in the 2025 General Election, following the successful objection against his nomination.
In a public notice issued yesterday, INEC confirmed that it had received a total of four objections regarding presidential candidacies three filed against Mpina and one against President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the ruling CCM’s flag bearer.
The objections were heard between September 13 and 14, with the commission making its determination on September 15. Out of the four petitions, three were dismissed while one was upheld.
INEC rejected the objection filed by Almas Hassan Kisabya of the NRA party against Mpina, as well as another presented by Kunje Ngomale Mwriu of the AAFP party, which also targeted Mpina’s nomination.
A third objection, lodged by Mpina himself through ACT-Wazalendo, sought to challenge President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s nomination under CCM. All three were dismissed on the grounds of insufficient merit.
However, the commission upheld the objection raised by Hamza Saidi Johari, the Chief State Attorney, against Mpina’s nomination.
INEC stated that the legal challenge was valid, and consequently struck Mpina’s name from the official list of candidates cleared to vie for the presidency.
“The name of Mr. Luhaga Joelson Mpina, the presidential candidate from ACT-Wazalendo, has been removed from the list of candidates for the Presidency of the United Republic of Tanzania in the 2025 General Election,” the notice read.
The decision leaves President Samia Suluhu Hassan firmly cleared to contest under CCM, while ACT-Wazalendo is dealt a significant setback with the loss of its top contender at the national level.
The ruling also reshapes the presidential race landscape, consolidating CCM’s dominance ahead of the polls.
INEC concluded its statement with a message to Tanzanians, urging full participation in the democratic process: “Your Vote, Your Right – Go Out and Vote!”