Dar es Salaam/Dodoma. The High Court in Dodoma is set to hear a case challenging the decision to block ACT-Wazalendo presidential candidate Luhaga Mpina after the party filed an emergency application following INEC’s refusal to accept his nomination forms.
The case arises from a decision by the Registrar of Political Parties, who annulled Mr Mpina’s nomination to contest the presidency in the October 29 General Election. INEC subsequently blocked him from submitting his nomination forms.
The emergency case, numbered 21692 of 2025, was filed by ACT-Wazalendo’s Board of Trustees and Mpina. The applicants are asking the Court to direct INEC to accept his forms for verification and nomination.
The panel hearing the case comprises Judges Abdi Kagomba (presiding), Evaristo Longopa, and John Kahyoza. Initially, the respondents—INEC and the Attorney General—filed a preliminary objection seeking dismissal of the case.
However, Principal State Attorney Mark Mulwambo informed the Court that the objection had been withdrawn, allowing the main hearing to proceed.
Following the ruling, the Court directed the applicants to submit their arguments by September 5 and the respondents to file their defence by September 7, all in writing. All parties are also required to appear in person on September 8 at 8:00 a.m. for oral proceedings.
Background
Mr Mpina was endorsed by ACT-Wazalendo’s General Assembly on August 6 to contest the presidency. The nomination was challenged by the party’s Dar es Salaam Regional Secretary Monalisa Ndala, who argued that Mr Mpina was ineligible under the party’s 2015 Standing Orders.
According to the rules, a presidential candidate must have been a party member for at least one month before the nomination deadline and must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the party’s ideology, philosophy, principles, and policies. Mr Mpina joined the party on August 5 and was endorsed as a candidate the following day, one day short of the required membership period.
After reviewing the submissions, the Registrar annulled Mr Mpina’s nomination. INEC, following the Registrar’s directive, barred him from submitting forms on August 27, prompting the emergency court filing.
Mr Mpina requested the Court to temporarily halt the nomination process pending the hearing, but the Court rejected the request. Judge Kagomba emphasised that the Court would scrutinise whether legal and constitutional procedures were followed in his removal and, if irregularities were found, would issue orders to restore his rights.
The applicants are represented by lawyers John Seka, Edson Kilatu, Peter Madeleka, Mwanaisha Mdeme, and Jaspar Sabuni, while the respondents are represented by Principal State Attorney Vivian Method, assisted by Stanley Kalokola and Erigh Rumisha.
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