Tanzania’s national electoral commission has accepted the nomination papers of Luhaga Mpina, a senior politician from the second-largest opposition party, allowing him to contest the October 29 presidential election.
Mpina’s nomination follows a court order that overturned a previous decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) disqualifying him.
The disqualification had meant President Samia Suluhu Hassan would potentially face opposition only from smaller parties in the election.
However, Mpina successfully challenged the decision, citing complaints that his party, Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo), had failed to comply with nomination procedures.
Mpina emphasized that opposition politicians and parties are not treasonous or criminals, and there’s no need to use authorities to punish them.
Despite facing an uphill battle against Hassan’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, Mpina is optimistic about his campaign.
He plans to traverse all 272 constituencies in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar during the remaining campaign period.
Notably, Mpina’s party declined an official campaign vehicle offered by INEC, citing concerns about projecting wealth amidst widespread poverty.
This decision may bolster Mpina’s image as a modest candidate committed to equality.
