Category: The Citizen

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday the U.S. military could deploy troops to Nigeria or carry out air strikes to stop what he called the killing of large numbers of Christians in the West African country. Asked if he envisioned troops on the ground or air strikes in Nigeria, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One: “Could be.

I mean, other things. I envisage a lot of things.

They’re killing record numbers of Christians in Nigeria They’re killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers. We’re not going to allow that to happen.

” Trump made the comment on Sunday evening as he headed back to Washington after a weekend at his vacation home in Florida. Trump threatened on Saturday to take military action against Nigeria if Africa’s most populous country failed to crack down on the killing of Christians.

The U.S. president’s threat of military action came a day after his administration added Nigeria back to a “Countries of Particular Concern” list of nations that the U.S. says have violated religious freedoms. Other nations on the list include China, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia and Pakistan.

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Dar es Salaam. Tanzania, long revered across Africa as the Island of Peace and a sanctuary for refugees, has for the first time since the return of multiparty politics in the early 1990s experienced streets echoing with gunfire.

The unrest broke out on October 29, 2025, during the General Election, when crowds in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya and Mwanza poured into the streets in protest. The mobs vandalised public and private property, torching polling stations, police posts, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) terminals, political party offices, fuel stations, shops and bars.

In Dar es Salaam, the day began calmly. From as early as 6:00am, voters queued peacefully at polling centres, determined to choose the President, Members of Parliament and ward councillors for the next five years.

However, at around 10:00am, the situation started to change, with reports reaching The Citizen suggesting that a group of demonstrators had marched from Kimara Butcher towards Magomeni via Ubungo, along Morogoro Road. Similar scenes quickly unfolded across the city.

Major routes, including Mandela, Bagamoyo and Morogoro roads, were blocked with burning tyres and debris. Police fired tear gas in attempts to disperse the crowds, but the situation escalated rapidly.

By evening, Inspector General of Police Camillus Wambura announced a 6pm curfew, urging citizens to remain indoors while security agencies restored order. “We are taking all necessary measures to ensure peace returns,” he said.

“Our goal is not confrontation, but restoration of calm.” By dawn on October 30, Dar es Salaam resembled a security fortress.

Key roads were manned by joint patrols of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) and police. Checkpoints were mounted, with motorists stopping for inspection and pedestrians ordered to walk with hands raised when approaching security checkpoints.

Chief of Defence Forces Gen Jacob Mkunda assured the nation that the military would remain deployed until calm was fully restored. Residents in previously tense neighbourhoods including Magomeni, Manzese, Tabata, Sinza, Kariakoo and Kinondoni were escorted to safety.

Residents interviewed by The Citizen described fear, hunger and uncertainty as movement and communication restrictions took effect. Ruiza Kimario, a middleman based in Sinza, said the restrictions crippled daily earners, noting that Tanzanians survive on hand-to-mouth income and that “life becomes almost impossible when movement and communication are cut.

” Aurelia Kaizirege said most Tanzanians have no savings, so disruptions leave them with nothing to fall back on. Nicholus Senzo from Tandale recalled hearing gunfire, saying that for two days it was unsafe to cross the street to buy food.

Joyce Mbusha said limited shops forced people into crowded spaces despite police warnings, because “people needed food.” At Kimara, Paulina Patrick noted widespread misinformation due to restricted internet access, including a fake message claiming Dawasa water had been poisoned.

Later, officials clarified on television that it was false. Dawasa associate manager Everlast Lyaro confirmed the message was fabricated and spread maliciously.

Johanness Joseph, a software systems developer in Kigamboni, said the internet blackout crippled his work, stressing that “in today’s world, the internet is like electricity.” In Sinza, Amina Daudi appealed for a return to national values, reminding citizens that Tanzania has held six peaceful elections previously, and urging the country not to imitate violence seen elsewhere.

On Sunday, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila assured residents that peace was being restored, praising security forces and encouraging citizens to resume normal activities while forces remained vigilant. Political analysts called for national unity and dialogue.

Prof Ali Makame Ussi of the State University of Zanzibar warned that turning Tanzania into a battlefield would undermine the very foundations of the nation. From the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Richard Mbunda said the unrest showed the country drifting from its spirit of unity, urging dialogue.

Dr Onesmo Kyauke echoed this view, calling for patriotism and solidarity. Government Spokesperson Gerson Msigwa later announced a gradual resumption of normal activities beginning Tuesday, November 4, 2025, urging public adherence to security directives.

In her inauguration speech, President Samia Suluhu Hassan directed security organs to expedite the restoration of normal life nationwide. At the Vatican, Pope Leo called for prayers for Tanzania, urging all parties to avoid violence and embrace dialogue.

Earlier, INEC Chairperson Jacobs Mwambegele declared President Hassan the winner of the 2025 presidential election with almost 98 percent of the vote. Lessons from Zambia Speaking during President Hassan’s swearing-in ceremony in Dodoma, President of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema urged Tanzanians to maintain their peaceful coexistence.

“It is important for the United Republic of Tanzania to move forward as one country,” he said. He said it was important to note that the peace, security, stability of Tanzania is also the security of several other countries in the region.

He said Tanzania and its people know it too well that in the struggle for independence for Southern African region countries, it was actually Tanzania and Zambia that anchored that struggle by hosting liberation movements. “During that time, the leaders before us were well aware that if neighbours were not independent, we were all affected.

If we understood it then, we understand it more now,” he said. As member states of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc), said Mr Hichilema, they have been working together to support Mozambique in the Cabo Delgado Province as well as supporting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in its Eastern part.

“We know the value of peace, security and stability.I want to appeal to the people of Tanzania that what you have enjoyed over years, decades, must be protected at all costs.

You cannot try or experiment the opposite,” he said. He said once peace get lost, it becomes difficult to regain it properly.

“It will linger on and on and destabilizing children in schools and families, essentially taking away the time, the resources and all the efforts meant for development,” said President Hichilema. When challenges with problems and complaints, President Hichilema said, dialogue must be the only option.

He said he personally leads a political party in Zambia that was in opposition for 23 years. He had been the leader of his party for 15 out of the 23 years that it [the party] was in opposition.

He said during that period, his party lost many elections that compelled some members to demand that they go to the streets, especially when they felt that they had not been properly treated during the elections. “I was the first one to say no one should go to the streets.

Those who supported us genuinely complained. In two elections, I took the responsivity that I cannot send men and women who are citizens of Zambia in the streets so they can damage property and kill somebody,” he said.

The focus, he said, was on the use of democratic processes which they finally did and their party is now in the government. “We inherited a country that is peaceful and it is our duty to keep our country peaceful and hand it over to those who will come after us in peace,” he said.

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Arusha. Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla has assured residents and visitors, including tourists, that the region is calm and safe, with essential services continuing without interruption.

Speaking on Tuesday, 4 November 2025, after a meeting of the Regional Security and Safety Committee, Makalla said a special team is inspecting all areas affected by the unrest that began on 29 October. “Arusha residents are going about their daily activities, and the region remains calm and secure.

As a regional administration, we started reopening some shops on 1 November, and today all activities are back to normal,” he said. He added that Arusha, being both a commercial hub and a tourist destination, will continue to ensure visitors are safe and able to access basic services.

“Security agencies are maintaining their core duties, including safeguarding our borders,” Makalla said. Transport services resume On transport, the RC assured operators that with security restored, travel can resume safely.

Fuel stations in the region have reopened, ensuring continuous supply to motorists. “All fuel stations are open.

We have directed suppliers and traders in Arusha to continue delivering fuel in large quantities to guarantee availability at all times,” he said. Makalla urged bus operators from other regions to resume their services, assuring them that roads are safe.

“If you notice police presence, it is for your safety,” he said. He also directed local government leaders and village chairpersons to continue maintaining order and to report any disturbances, working in coordination with security agencies.

Cleanliness and sanitation Regarding environmental cleanliness, Makalla instructed council directors under the supervision of the Regional Administrative Secretary to manage sanitation services effectively. All waste in residential and market areas must be cleared within two days.

“Our town must be clean. I have instructed the City Director and other council directors to engage sanitation companies to ensure that within two days all areas are cleared.

Accumulated waste can lead to disease outbreaks,” he said. On damage caused during the unrest, Makalla said a comprehensive assessment is underway.

“It is difficult to pinpoint all affected areas immediately, but our team is conducting a full survey. Restoring peace is our first priority, and residents’ safety comes first,” he said.

Suspects in custody On reports of arrests linked to the unrest, Makalla said the matter will be addressed by the Arusha Regional Police Commander. .

Street protests erupted as Tanzania went to the polls on October 29, 2025, under a Constitution that has remained unchanged since 2005. Built on a single-party system that has existed since independence in 1961, and with minimal amendments to the 1977 constitution, Tanzania’s legal framework lacks modern practices that protect political actors and citizens from state abuse. Unlike Kenya, where the new constitution grants power to the citizens, Tanzania’s constitution vests authority in the presidency.

“All state authority in the United Republic shall be exercised and controlled by two organs vested with executive powers, two organs vested with judicial powers, and two organs vested with legislative and supervisory powers over the conduct of public affairs,” — Tanzania (United Republic of) 1977 (rev. 2005), Part 1 (4).

President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania casts her vote at Chamwino village office polling station in Dodoma on election day on October 29, 2025. “The organs vested with executive powers shall be the Government of the United Republic and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar; the organs vested with judicial powers shall be the Judiciary of the United Republic and the Judiciary of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar; and the organs vested with legislative and supervisory powers over public affairs shall be the Parliament of the United Republic and the House of Representatives.” In line with the spirit of the constitution, President Samia Suluhu Hassan holds sweeping powers over the electoral process.

The President of Tanzania has the authority to appoint and dismiss the chairperson, vice-chairperson, and commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Critics argue that this compromises the commission’s independence, leading to decisions that favour the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party–such as the disqualification of opposition candidates on seemingly minor or “frivolous” grounds.

The law also allowed INEC final powers on the electoral tally, which cannot be challenged in court. This potentially removes safety valves judicial organs provide in other jurisdictions like Kenya and Malawi, where flawed elections were nullified by courts in the past.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania casts her vote at Chamwino village office polling station in Dodoma on election day on October 29, 2025. Tanzania became a multiparty state on July 1, 1992, following recommendations from the Presidential Commission on the Single-Party or Multiparty System. Before 1992, Tanzania was a one-party state, with CCM as the only legally permitted party.

The shift was formalised through the Constitution (Eighth) (Amendment) Act, 1992, which allowed for the registration and participation of multiple political parties. The first general elections under this system were held in 1995. However, the amendments still granted CCM sweeping powers over how the government is managed and run.

Due to the nature of the constitution and minimal reforms to accommodate full multiparty democracy, Tanzania is often described as a “One-Party State” that, every five years, allows other parties–approved by CCM under strict conditions–to participate, giving the ruling party a semblance of legitimacy. This year, 17 presidential candidates contested alongside President Samia of CCM, in an effort to lend the elections perceived legitimacy.

INEC confirmed 17 presidential candidates, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Among them are Gombo Samandito Gombo (Civic United Front – CUF), Kunje Ngombale Mwiru (AAFP), Hassan Almas (NRA), and Coaster Kibonde (Chama Makini), among others.

Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo Party for Democracy and Progress), the main opposition party, was disqualified for refusing to sign the Electoral Code of Conduct. Its leader, Tundu Lissu, is currently on trial for treason in Dar es Salaam.

ACT Wazalendo’s presidential candidate, Luhaga Mpina–who defected from CCM–was also disqualified by INEC despite favourable court rulings. This has paved the way for minimal electoral challenge to the CCM candidate in the 2025 elections, with the two major contenders removed from the race.

Tanzania still employs the provincial administration system inherited from British colonial rule, similar to Kenya and Uganda in the 1960s. (Kenya and Uganda have since tinkered with theirs).

Returning Officers are District Commissioners and government administrators. Today’s Tanzania resembles Kenya before 1988, when the country was under one-party rule.

Kenya transitioned to a multiparty system in 1992 after repealing Section 2(a) of its constitution. Before that, during the infamous 1988 “Mlolongo elections,” a District Commissioner could declare the shortest queue as the winner.

On October 29, 2025, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania and candidate for the same position through the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, casts her vote at the Chamwino Village Office polling station in Dodoma. Tanzania’s constitution states that once a presidential candidate is declared the winner by the electoral commission, “no court of law shall have any jurisdiction to inquire into the election of that candidate.

” This provision grants District Commissioners and administrators sweeping powers to determine election outcomes in favour of the executive.In 2020, the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights ordered Tanzania to amend this section of the constitution.

However, the directive has yet to be implemented. In the lead-up to the elections, Tanzanian authorities passed laws and regulations that, while framed as administrative or protective reforms, collectively constrain political opposition, suppress dissent, and expand state control over freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.

International media is effectively barred from covering elections in Tanzania, making it difficult to access credible information on the ground. Access to social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok has been restricted or blocked during critical periods–especially immediately before and during the 2025 election–limiting information flow and public discourse.

Legislation ranging from electoral reforms to digital surveillance laws has created bureaucratic hurdles, surveillance mechanisms, and discretionary enforcement powers that disproportionately affect opposition parties, civil society organisations (CSOs), and independent media. .

Dar es Salaam. After two months of vigorous campaigns across the country, Tanzanians head to polling stations today in elections that will determine the nation’s political and socioeconomic trajectory for the next five years.

Millions are expected to vote for the President, Members of Parliament and councillors, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) assures the public that all preparations for a smooth, credible and inclusive voting process have been completed. According to INEC, a total of 37,647,235 registered voters are eligible to participate, marking a 26.53 percent increase from the 29.7 million voters in 2020. Of these, 36,650,932 are registered on the Mainland, while 996,303 are registered in Zanzibar.

Women slightly outnumber men in the Permanent Voter Register, with 18,950,801 representing 50.34 percent of the electorate, compared with 18,696,439 men, or 49.66 percent. Analysts note that this female majority could significantly influence the electoral outcome, particularly in constituencies where livelihood, healthcare and social welfare issues have dominated campaign discussions.

“Maturing democracy” A political analyst from the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Richard Mbunda, notes the rise in registered voters and stronger female representation reflects “a maturing democracy where citizens, especially women, believe more than ever that change is realised through the ballot and where active participation can directly influence government policies and societal priorities”. He adds that this trend is a positive indicator for national participation and inclusive governance.

INEC has expanded polling infrastructure to improve accessibility and reduce congestion. There are now 99,895 polling stations nationwide, 97,348 on the Mainland and 2,547 in Zanzibar, representing a 22.47 percent increase compared to 2020. Voters are reminded that polling stations open at 7am and close at 4pm, but anyone still in the queue by closing time will be allowed to vote.

The Commission has issued clear directives to ensure no eligible voter is excluded. Those whose photograph is missing in the register but whose details match their voter card are allowed to vote.

Similarly, voters whose voter card number differs from the register can vote if other personal details match. Individuals who lost or damaged their voter cards may use a National ID, driving licence, or passport, provided their names are in the Permanent Voter Register.

Conversely, possessing a voter card alone does not confer voting rights. A political analyst from the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA), Prof Makame Ali Ussi, shares these measures reflect “proactive electoral management that promotes inclusivity while maintaining integrity.

It shows preparedness and a deliberate effort to minimise disenfranchisement and ensuring that even marginalised voters can exercise their rights with confidence”. Another major development ahead of the election is the administrative restructuring of ten wards in Katavi and Tabora regions, including areas in refugee settlements.

The withdrawn wards are Kanoge, Litapunga, Katumba and Mtapenda in Katavi; Mishamo, Ilangu, Bulamata and Ipwaga in Tanganyika District; and Milambo, Igombemkulu and Kanindo in Tabora’s Ulyankulu District. Seven ward councillor candidates had their endorsements revoked and 292 polling stations were removed and replaced with 292 new stations in neighbouring wards.

A total of 106,288 voters were successfully relocated and citizens are urged to follow their new allocations. A governance expert and political analyst at the University of Dodoma, Dr Paul Loisulie, says the restructuring is “an important step to ensure electoral boundaries align with administrative jurisdictions, reducing contestation and reinforcing fairness, while also enhancing clarity for voters and candidates alike and strengthening trust in the electoral system.

” As attention shifts to the broader electoral contest, certain regions hold strategic importance in determining the presidential outcome. Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Morogoro, Tabora, Kagera, Dodoma, Tanga, Geita, Arusha and Mbeya together account for 53.73 percent of registered voters.

Dar es Salaam alone has 4.4 million voters (11.74 percent of the national electorate), followed by Mwanza (6.02 percent), Morogoro (5.61 percent), Tabora (4.78 percent), Kagera (4.68 percent), Dodoma (4.64 percent), Tanga (4.34 percent), Geita (4.07 percent), Arusha (4.06 percent) and Mbeya (3.79 percent).

Political analysts emphasise that turnout in these high-population areas could determine the winner. Dr Loisulie notes, “High-population areas can determine the presidency, as the sheer number of voters in these regions often becomes the decisive factor that shapes the national outcome.

” Dr Matrona Kabyemela of the University of Dar es Salaam adds, “Historically, victories for presidential candidates have been propelled by support from the Lake Zone and other populous regions, showing the strategic importance of targeting high-voter areas effectively, where mobilising turnout and responding to local issues can make or break a campaign.” Youth and female voters On top of that, youth and female voters are expected to be decisive.

Campaign messaging on unemployment, rising cost of living and entrepreneurial reforms has been heavily targeted at the youth. Women, now a majority among registered voters, have emerged as key constituencies, advocating for improved access to financial services, maternal healthcare and safety in their communities.

Prof Ussi notes, “This is a strategic shift in Tanzanian politics, where youth and women are no longer peripheral but actively addressed as key constituencies. Recognising their priorities may increase both turnout and accountability in the next parliamentary and council elections, signalling a more inclusive approach to governance that could reshape political engagement for years to come.

” Security authorities have been deployed nationwide to ensure a peaceful vote, while INEC has accredited domestic and international observers to monitor credibility. The Commission has upgraded technological infrastructure to guarantee efficient results management and transparency.

Preliminary outcomes are expected tonight, with official results announced within legally stipulated timelines. Pivotal moment As polling begins, Tanzania stands at a pivotal moment.

Citizens from the Mainland and Isles are stepping forward with expectations that the leaders elected today will accelerate national development, uphold democratic principles and reinforce unity and peace. The Commission reminds voters that their participation is the ultimate expression of national sovereignty.

“This is a moment for every eligible Tanzanian to exercise their constitutional right. Your vote is going to be your voice, a powerful tool to shape the future of the nation, influence development and hold leaders accountable for their promises and actions,” the INEC Chairperson, Justice (Rtd) Jacobs Mwambegele said.

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Dar es Salaam. The Bank of Tanzania (BoT) has intensified its intervention in the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market (IFEM), injecting a total of $35 million over four days in a bid to boost dollar liquidity and stabilise the shilling.

On Friday October 24, 2025, the BoT sold $15 million at a weighted average exchange rate of Sh2,471.73 per dollar. Demand was strong, with 26 banks submitting bids worth $34.75 million–more than double the amount offered–and 14 banks securing allocations.

Responding to continued demand, the central bank increased its supply on Monday this week, selling $20 million. The move led to an immediate appreciation of the shilling, as the weighted average rate strengthened to Sh2,465.13 per dollar.

Despite the injection, dollar appetite remained robust, with 23 banks tendering bids totalling $29.5 million. Again, 14 banks were successful, according to BoT data.

BoT governor Emmanuel Tutuba said the interventions are part of the bank’s regular liquidity management operations aimed at ensuring stability in the financial system. “As the Bank of Tanzania, our core mandate is to regulate the economy, which includes ensuring there is adequate liquidity within the financial system,” he said.

“We constantly assess market conditions to determine whether to inject or withdraw liquidity, depending on what is needed to maintain balance.” Mr Tutuba added that the BoT continuously monitors the balance positions of commercial banks to ensure smooth market operations.

“We will continue to closely track market demand and the movement of the shilling to ensure stability and orderly functioning of the foreign exchange market,” he said. The consecutive interventions mark some of the most active episodes in Tanzania’s forex market this year, underscoring the BoT’s readiness to act swiftly in response to market pressures.

The stronger exchange rate recorded in Monday’s auction also suggests that dollar demand has begun to ease following the injections. The shilling has remained largely stable throughout 2025, supported by rising export earnings from gold, gas and tourism.

Inflation has stayed within the BoT’s target range of 35 percent, while foreign reserves continue to cover more than four months of imports, according to official data. Amid ongoing global dollar strength and high import bills weighing on frontier markets, the BoT’s timely interventions signal its commitment to maintaining market confidence and currency stability through transparent and proactive measures .

Dar es Salaam. Commercial activity came to a standstill in Kimanga’s Savanah area on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 morning, as nearly all shops remained closed amid the ongoing general election.

A spot check revealed that out of 30 shops in the busy neighbourhood, only one had opened its doors. The shopkeeper, who requested anonymity, said most business owners had been advised to stay closed until the afternoon.

“We were told not to open our shops until 2 p.m.

,” the shopkeeper explained. “I just have a few orders to deliver, and I’ll be closing my shop in about 10 minutes.

” The closure of shops reflected the calm yet watchful atmosphere across Dar es Salaam, as residents turned their focus to exercising their civic duty. Many traders are expected to resume operations later in the day, once voting concludes.

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Dar es Salaam. Advisory and investment banking firm SSC Capital has launched four new financing platforms that seek to address access to capital challenge in Tanzania.

The new platforms, Mbadala Agro Fund, TAIN Fund, DealME, and Wengi, are designed to support funding for startups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), large projects, and public-private partnerships (PPPs), marking one of the most comprehensive financing initiatives in the local market by a private firm. SSC Capital chief executive, Mr Salum Awadh, said the new initiatives will significantly contribute to the funding ecosystem in Tanzania, which has seen tremendous growth over the recent years in terms of supporting startups.

“For all this time, we have been heavily involved in advising, raising, supporting, and structuring fundraises for many companies, from startups to large enterprises, with many initiatives launched along the way, we have accumulated a lot of experiences, knowledge, and lessons on how best to support Tanzanian businesses and projects to access funding for their growth and contribution to the economy,” he said. Founded 16 years ago, SSC Capital provides services in strategy advisory, asset and wealth management, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, global markets, and credit rating.

The firm, headquartered in Tanzania, operates across Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Dubai, and Europe, and has executed advisory and capital-raising transactions exceeding $300 million. The company’s new initiative, the Mbadala Agro Fund, is a $10 million early-stage impact venture fund targeting Tanzania’s agriculture sector.

It will invest between $150,000 and $300,000 in agribusiness startups and SMEs from input suppliers to food retailers. The TAIN Fund — an evolution of the former Tanzania Angel Investors Network — will serve as a structured angel investment vehicle, pooling individual and institutional investors seeking early-stage opportunities.

It plans to deploy between $50,000 and $150,000 in technology-driven startups across sectors. Meanwhile, DealME, an AI-powered digital marketplace, will match major projects with investors and financiers, offering an alternative route to capital for both private and public ventures.

“This marketplace will address this visibility problem, while supporting project promoters to develop their projects to the quality desired by investors,” Mr Awadh said. The company also plans to revive Wengi, a crowdfunding platform allowing small businesses to list shares and attract retail investors with contributions starting from Sh50,000. The platform will also serve non-profits seeking grants and donations once it receives approval from the Capital Markets and Securities Authority (CMSA).

Complementing the launches, SSC Capital rolled out a national funding literacy campaign dubbed “Where is the Money?” to boost investment readiness through training, mentorship, and coaching “We call upon partners, collaborators, investors, hubs, and other ecosystem enablers to work with us in ensuring that these initiatives reach as many beneficiaries as possible,” he added. .

Dar es Salaam. Over 37.6 million Tanzanians are expected to cast their ballots today to elect the president, Members of Parliament, and councillors in one of the most closely watched general elections in recent Tanzania’s history.

Yet, conspicuously missing from the presidential ballot paper is ACT-Wazalendo’s would-be flag-bearer, Mr Luhaga Mpina, whose quest to vie for the highest office was thwarted following a series of legal and procedural setbacks. Mr Mpina, a former cabinet minister and long-serving legislator who defected from Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) earlier this year, had been overwhelmingly endorsed by ACT-Wazalendo’s General Assembly on August 6, 2025, as the party’s presidential candidate.

But his political ascent was abruptly halted after the Registrar of Political Parties annulled his endorsement, citing internal objections and alleged procedural irregularities. A party member, Ms Monalisa Ndala, lodged a complaint challenging the validity of Mr Mpina’s nomination, arguing that it contravened ACT-Wazalendo’s 2015 constitution.

The Registrar subsequently instructed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to accept Mr Mpina’s nomination papers–a move that triggered a legal storm and exposed the fragility of internal democracy within opposition parties. Refusing to concede defeat, ACT-Wazalendo’s Board of Trustees and Mr Mpina filed a petition before the High Court on August 27, 2025, contesting the Registrar’s directive.

In an initial victory for the party, the court, on September 11, 2025, ruled in favour of Mr Mpina, directing INEC to receive his nomination papers, arguing that the Commission’s earlier refusal had violated Article 13(6)(a) of the Constitution by denying him the right to be heard. Buoyed by the ruling, Mr Mpina submitted his nomination forms two days later, on September 13, seemingly reviving his presidential hopes.

But the reprieve was short-lived. Within days, two rival aspirants, joined by the Attorney General, filed fresh objections that INEC upheld, effectively invalidating his candidacy once again.

Determined to fight on, ACT-Wazalendo’s Board and Mr Mpina returned to court on September 15, arguing through their lawyers, Mr John Seka and Mr Edson Kilatu, that both the Registrar and the Commission had overstepped their authority. They contended that the Registrar had misinterpreted the party’s constitution, acted beyond his jurisdiction, and abused his powers by nullifying a legitimate nomination.

“The first respondent exercised authority over internal party elections for an improper purpose–to exclude the second applicant from the presidential race,” reads part of their application. The petitioners maintained that the decision was unlawful, irrational, and malicious, noting that no objections had been raised during the General Assembly where Mr Mpina was endorsed.

Despite the spirited challenge, the legal tide turned against them. On October 15, 2025, the High Court’s Dodoma Registry, presided over by Justice Fredrick Manyanda, sitting with Justices Sylvester Kainda and Abdallah Gonzi, dismissed the constitutional petition.

The three-judge bench held that the Constitution bars interference in the functions of INEC, affirming that the Commission had acted within its constitutional mandate. With that judgment, Mr Mpina’s presidential dream officially ended, closing one of the most dramatic nomination sagas in Tanzania’s recent political history.

His exclusion left 17 presidential contenders to vie for the nation’s top office. The legal and political ripple effects of the ruling, however, continue to reverberate within the opposition camp.

Analysts say the case underscores the persistent challenges facing political parties in managing internal governance, candidate selection, and compliance with regulatory frameworks. According to Dr Richard Mbunda, a political science lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), the decision was legally unsurprising given the constitutional protection accorded to INEC’s decisions.

“The Commission is insulated from external interference, and its decisions are final unless the law provides otherwise,” he said, adding “What this episode highlights is the urgent need to reform electoral laws to ensure a fairer playing field for all political actors.” Dr Mbunda observed that while Mr Mpina’s exclusion may appear politically motivated to some, the case would likely serve as an important legal precedent and a cautionary tale for future aspirants navigating Tanzania’s complex electoral system.

“His persistence and legal pursuit offer political scientists and constitutional lawyers a critical case study in the intersection of party autonomy and state regulatory oversight,” he noted. Another scholar, Dr Paul Loisulie, a political science and public administration lecturer at the University of Dodoma (Udom), shared similar sentiments, arguing that the saga was as much a legal issue as it was a reflection of internal party dynamics.

“While the court decisions were grounded in law, they also reveal how political newcomers can face institutional resistance within their new parties,” he said. “Opposition parties must therefore strengthen internal democracy and long-term planning if they are to avoid similar pitfalls in future elections.

” He added that the episode should inspire political parties to invest early in nurturing credible candidates and addressing constitutional loopholes that expose them to administrative interventions. “Elections are not won in courtrooms; they are won through foresight, unity, and organisational preparedness,” Dr Loisulie remarked.

As Tanzanians head to the polls today, the absence of Luhaga Mpina from the presidential race stands as a poignant reminder of how political ambition can be undone by procedural intricacies and legal technicalities. For ACT-Wazalendo, his disqualification marks a missed opportunity to expand its political reach and project itself as a formidable contender in national politics.

Whether his exclusion will reshape the opposition’s future strategy or deepen internal divisions remains to be seen. But for now, Mr Mpina will be remembered as the presidential candidate who never was–a figure whose journey captured the tension between law, politics, and ambition in Tanzania’s evolving democracy.

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Dar es Salaam. As Tanzanians headed to the polls for the 2025 general election, residents of Kinondoni commended the calm and well-organised atmosphere that marked the early hours of voting on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. By 9 a.

m., several polling stations in the constituency reported smooth operations and steady voter turnout, with many participants expressing satisfaction and optimism about the day’s proceedings.

Samweli Mkinga, a voter in his 40s, said, “I arrived early, voted without any issues, and the atmosphere has been calm throughout. It’s encouraging to see such order.

” Secondary school teacher Shida Massawe observed notable improvement compared to past elections. “The queues are moving steadily, people are respectful, and the election officials are doing their job professionally,” she said.

For Hamisi Kihesa, the serenity of the day inspired confidence in the integrity of the polls. “We are voting in harmony, and that gives me hope that the outcome will reflect the will of the people,” he remarked.

Neema Daniel praised the presence of security personnel and polling officials, saying it contributed to a sense of safety and respect. “There’s discipline and mutual respect among voters — something we should be proud of,” she said.

According to Carlos Kora, the turnout across age groups reflected growing civic engagement. “Young people and elders are showing up peacefully.

There’s positive energy — it shows people believe in this process,” he said. First-time voter Faustina Nyalali described her experience as empowering.

“I feel safe and involved. Everything is well explained, and the environment is welcoming,” she shared.

Yusuph Ng’oni noted the cooperation among voters as a sign of democratic maturity. “People are calm, helping one another, and following instructions.

It’s a good sign of democratic growth,” he said. Paulina Mtui echoed the sentiments, praising the patience and organisation at polling centres.

“Even those who arrived very early are patiently waiting their turn. The organisation is commendable, and I hope it remains like this throughout the day,” she said.

Voting continues across Kinondoni and other constituencies as the nation marks another milestone in its democratic journey. .