Campaigns for Tanzania’s October 29th election have officially began, however this year’s elections is unfolding under unusual circumstances, with the country’s largest opposition party, CHADEMA absent from the presidential race.
CHADEMA announced earlier this year that it would not take part, accusing the electoral system of being unfair and leaning in favour of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). CHADEMA leaders argue that many election officials are drawn from CCM ranks, undermining the credibility of the elections. With this view, they launched a “No Reforms, No Election” campaign saying they would not participate unless key electoral laws and candidate vetting procedures are changed. However when the campaign window opened, they remained out of the race.
The challenges for CHADEMA grew when its leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested after addressing a political rally where he demanded electoral reforms. He now faces treason charges, a case that has made it difficult for the party to mobilize support or run a full campaign.
At the same time, ACT-Wazalendo has also been locked out of the presidential race. The Office of the Registrar of Political Parties cancelled the nomination of its candidate, Luhaga Mpina, ruling that he joined the party too late to qualify. The decision followed a petition by Dar es Salaam regional secretary Monalisa Ndala, who argued that Mpina’s nomination process broke party rules. Tanzania’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) later upheld the cancellation, leaving ACT without a presidential candidate.
ACT has strongly rejected the ruling, calling it unlawful interference. Secretary General Ado Shaibu said Mpina had already completed all requirements, including collecting nomination forms, securing sponsors and swearing before court. The party has since filed a case in the High Court, which has given the government five days to respond. The matter will be heard on September 3rd, with judges noting the case carries broad national interest. If the court finds that INEC breached the law, Mpina could still be allowed back into the race.
With CHADEMA out and ACT’s candidacy in dispute, CCM heads into the October 29th polls with limited opposition. Analysts warn this could lower voter turnout and raise new questions about the level of competition in Tanzania’s elections. Smaller opposition parties are still contesting but their reach remains limited compared to the two main opposition forces.
This election marks a rare moment in Tanzanian history, a presidential race without its main opposition force. It raises questions among citizens and analysts about genuine democratic choice and whether voters will meaningfully shape the country’s direction.
Meanwhile, CCM kicked off its campaign on August 28th at Tanganyika Packers Grounds in Dar es Salaam. President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her running mate Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi lead the party’s push for a full mandate.
