ACT Wazalendo has called for an independent investigation into the recent Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) elections, alleging serious irregularities that it says have undermined confidence in the credibility and transparency of the process.
In a statement issued on Friday, the opposition party claimed that information obtained from delegates, voters and other stakeholders raises questions over the validity of the presidential election results.
According to the party, Anthony Mtaka received 29 votes, Henry Tandau six votes and Leonard Thadeo one vote out of 36 ballots cast in the race for the TOC presidency. Despite those figures, ACT Wazalendo alleged that Mr Thadeo was declared the winner.
The party did not provide documentary evidence to support the vote tally it cited, and the TOC had not commented on the claims by the time of publication.
ACT Wazalendo argued that the controversy is part of a prolonged electoral process that has faced repeated delays since 2024. It noted that some candidates were initially disqualified before being reinstated following guidance from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The party also referred to the April 10, 2026 decision by the Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Paulo Makonda, to suspend the election that had been scheduled for April 12, dissolve the then TOC leadership and appoint an interim committee, saying the developments had raised concerns about the independence of the electoral process.
Citing the Olympic Charter, ACT Wazalendo said National Olympic Committees are required to operate independently and free from undue interference in their governance and leadership elections.
The party urged the IOC, the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and relevant Tanzanian authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the election, establish the facts surrounding the declared results and take appropriate action if any breaches of the TOC constitution, electoral rules or international standards are confirmed.
ACT Wazalendo also said it has formally written to the IOC requesting the global Olympic body to investigate the matter and take appropriate action while safeguarding Tanzania's participation and standing within the Olympic movement.
The party argued that resolving the dispute transparently is important as Tanzania prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), saying the country's international sporting reputation depends not only on infrastructure but also on adherence to good governance, accountability and the rule of law in sports institutions.
Efforts to obtain comment from the Tanzania Olympic Committee on the allegations were unsuccessful by press time.
