The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday accepted Mpina’s nomination forms, effectively restoring his place in the country’s most competitive race in recent years.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s presidential race has taken a dramatic turn after ACT-Wazalendo’s candidate, Luhaga Mpina, was officially cleared to return to the ballot, weeks after the party was controversially locked out of submitting its nomination papers.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Saturday accepted Mpina’s nomination forms, effectively restoring his place in the country’s most competitive race in recent years.
The reversal came after the court ruled against INEC’s initial decision, which had sparked outcry among ACT-Wazalendo members and democracy advocates.
“They said we would not be on the ballot paper. Now we are back, and we will be there,” Mpina declared to cheering supporters shortly after the announcement. “Our campaign begins immediately to ensure victory.”
While other parties have enjoyed two weeks of campaigning since the official launch period began, ACT-Wazalendo is entering the race with just 45 days remaining of the 60-day campaign window.
Mpina, however, brushed aside concerns about the shortened timeline.
“Forty-five days are enough for us to visit all 272 constituencies across mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar,” he said. “Our parliamentary and council candidates should not worry. We are launching early and starting right away.”
A message of hope
The opposition leader acknowledged the frustration felt by Tanzanians after ACT-Wazalendo was initially blocked from returning its forms, but he also highlighted the joy of being reinstated.
“I know the pain and sadness many felt when our candidates were denied the chance to return nomination papers. Today, I also know their joy as we begin this journey together,” Mpina said.
He stressed that his candidacy is built on experience and readiness to tackle Tanzania’s pressing challenges.
“We sought this mandate to serve as president of the United Republic of Tanzania because we have the experience, we understand the struggles of Tanzanians, and we are ready to deliver. We are fully prepared for this great task,” he added.
Mpina reiterated his pledge to deliver a six-hour policy speech in the coming days.
“Many Tanzanians do not know where the country truly stands. I will take the time to carefully explain how ACT-Wazalendo is organised and committed to building a new Tanzania. We were born for this; we cannot sit back while our people suffer.”
ACT-Wazalendo’s stand
The party has already made headlines for rejecting official vehicles offered by INEC to presidential candidates. According to the party’s Chief Legal Counsel, Omar Issa Shaaban, the decision was deliberate.
“We cannot accept a vehicle on the claim of creating a level playing field. A car is not the measure of fairness. For us, equality comes when there is a new constitution and proper electoral reforms,” Shaaban explained.
He dismissed INEC’s assertion that the provision of vehicles was meant to balance campaign logistics.
“The real level playing field will only come when constitutional and electoral changes are made. That is our firm position,” he said.
Mpina’s clearance is expected to energise ACT-Wazalendo supporters, who see the party as a key challenger in an election that could reshape Tanzania’s political landscape.
The party has built momentum in recent years by championing governance reforms, youth empowerment, and calls for a new constitution.
Political analysts note that while the lost 15 campaign days present logistical hurdles, ACT-Wazalendo’s grassroots networks and Mpina’s combative style could help compensate for lost time.
For his part, Mpina is confident.
“We are ready, we are complete, and we are determined to lead Tanzania into a new chapter,” he said, promising to criss-cross the country to deliver his message of transformation.
With the campaign season entering full swing, all eyes are now on ACT-Wazalendo’s official launch rally, where Mpina is expected to lay out the party’s vision for the nation — and set the tone for what could be one of the most closely watched elections in Tanzania’s history.
