The Independent National Electoral Commission has approved 17 candidates to compete for the Ismani parliamentary seat in Iringa District Council, Iringa Region, setting the stage for a closely watched by-election.
The nominations were officially confirmed by the Returning Officer for Ismani Constituency, Caroline Angwen Otieno, after completing the verification of all nomination forms submitted by political parties.
The approved candidates come from a wide range of political parties, reflecting strong political competition and giving voters in Ismani a broad choice in the upcoming election.
The candidates include Emmanuela Kaganda Mtatifikolo (CCM), Farida Issa Mwapungu (MAKINI), Asha Athumani Chuma (UPDP), Protas Shaibu Mgimbila (CCK), Fidelis Daud Mtikile (SAU), Hadija Husen Makawa (ADA-TADEA), Zavely Raurent Seleleka (UDP), and Subira Majuto Kalolo (NLD).
Others are Bernard George Mwingira (DP), Burton Emilyo Chetenge (NCCR-Mageuzi), Mbalinga Christian Thomas (NRA), Mark Isdory Mhemela (AAFP), Nassim Yahaya Upete (CUF), Mwaka Lameck Mgimwa (TLP), Asma Abdallah Othman (UMD), Maimuna Martin Lumato (ADC), and Daudi Issa Masasi (CHAUMMA).
Speaking after announcing the candidates, Caroline Angwen Otieno said the electoral calendar shows that campaigns for the Ismani parliamentary by-election and 12 ward by-elections across Mainland Tanzania will officially begin on May 11, 2026, and end on May 31, 2026. Voting will take place on June 1, 2026.
She added that the next step in the process is the public display of nomination forms, which allows citizens and stakeholders to review the submissions and raise any objections in line with the law.
“If no objections are raised within 24 hours, the 17 candidates will proceed to the official campaign period starting May 11, 2026, leading up to election day on June 1, 2026,” she said.
Alongside the Ismani parliamentary race, ward elections will also be held in 12 wards across Mainland Tanzania.
These include Mzimuni in Kinondoni Municipality, Zongomera in Kahama Municipality, Itilo in Nzega Town Council, Ketare in Tarime Town Council, and Nyumbigwa in Kasulu Town Council.
Other participating wards are Kala in Nkasi District, Ziba in Igunga District, Kamsisi in Mlele District, Nyamugali in Buhigwe District, Namasakata in Tunduru District, Bwongera in Chato District, and Kibiti in Kibiti District.
The electoral commission has called on all candidates and political parties to follow the rules, maintain peace, and ensure a fair and transparent process throughout the campaign period and election day, encouraging citizens to participate actively in choosing their leaders
