The Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) will hold its leadership elections on July 5 this year at the Peacock Hotel in Dar es Salaam, following extensive consultations involving the committee, the Government, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) aimed at resolving earlier procedural delays.
The agreement to proceed with the election marks a key step toward restoring full governance within Tanzania’s Olympic movement after months of uncertainty linked to constitutional and administrative challenges that slowed the electoral process.
Speaking to journalists on June 26, 2026, TOC Secretary General Filbert Bayi said the decision was reached after a series of engagements among stakeholders, including IOC representatives, who helped mediate a consensus on the way forward.
He said the resolution ensures that the election is conducted in line with international standards while safeguarding the interests of Tanzanian athletes and sports institutions.
Bayi noted that the delay had raised concern within the global Olympic community, particularly because IOC regulations require member committees to maintain legitimate and updated leadership structures.
He warned that failure to comply with such requirements could affect access to IOC support, including development funding and technical assistance.
“The agreed process ensures compliance, stability, and continuity. It is important for us to remain aligned with international standards so that Tanzania continues benefiting from global sports support systems,” he said.
TOC President Gulam Rashid said the initial proposal to hold the election on July 11 was revised after consultations with IOC officials and consideration of national sporting activities, including athletics competitions. He added that the availability of an IOC-appointed election observer also influenced the decision to settle on July 5.
Rashid emphasized that the electoral process has been made inclusive, with all candidates who had earlier submitted nomination forms cleared to participate as part of the reconciliation framework agreed by stakeholders.
“This process has been guided by dialogue and consensus. Our focus is to ensure fairness and credibility so that the leadership that emerges reflects the will of the sports community,” he said.
The election will see a competitive race for the TOC presidency, with four candidates cleared to contest: Henry Benny Tandau, Anthony John Mtaka, Leonard Thadeo Katunzi, and Hassan Khairalla Tawakal, who represents Zanzibar.
For the position of Vice President, Nasra Juma Mohamed is the sole candidate.
In the Tanzania Mainland representative category, approved candidates include Muharam Salum Mchume, Noolerain Gulam Hussein Shariff, Dr. Devota John Marwa, Amina Mohamed Mfaume, Khalid Yahya Rushaka, Suma Stephen Mwaikenda, Noel Kiunsi, Abdulkher Mohamed Ahmed, Jonathan Mushumbusi Kassano, Innocent John Mallya, Andrew Godfrey Kapeleka, Eliasa Abdallah Mkongo, and Donald Antony Massawe.
From Zanzibar, approved candidates are Faida Salmin Juma, Makame Ali Machano, Thuwaiba Aboud Muhiddin, Mwatima Bakari Abdi, Suleiman Ame Khamis, Abdul Rahman Said Simai, Said Mohamed Abdulla, and Juma Khamis Zaidy.
Sports stakeholders have expressed optimism that the upcoming election will strengthen governance within the Olympic movement and improve coordination between national sports bodies and international federations.
The outcome is also expected to play a key role in shaping Tanzania’s preparations for upcoming regional and global competitions.
With preparations in the final stage, attention now turns to ensuring a transparent, credible, and well-managed electoral process that will define the next leadership of the Tanzania Olympic Committee and influence the future direction of Olympic sports in the country.
