Dar es Salaam. With nearly a week gone since the official start of campaigns, questions linger as to the whereabouts of some of Tanzania’s presidential contenders.
On August 27, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cleared 17 aspirants to contest the October 28 General Election. Campaigns officially kicked off the following day, yet not all candidates have been visible on the trail.
INEC Head of Communication and Civic Education Abuu Kimario confirmed that ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential flagbearer, Luhaga Mpina, remains under scrutiny following legal challenges to his nomination. According to Mr Kimario, Mr Mpina’s selection contravened Sections 4(5)(a) and (b) of the Political Parties Act.
The cleared list includes President Samia Suluhu Hassan of CCM, Yustus Rwamugira (TLP), David Mwaijojele (CCK), Salim Mwalimu (Chaumma), Kunje Ngombale (AAFP), Doyo Hassan Doyo (NLD), Majalio Kyara (SAU), Ambali Hamis (NCCR-Mageuzi), Georges Busungu (TADEA), Wilson Mulumbe (ADC), Hassan Almas (NRA), Samandito Gombo (CUF), Mwajuma Mirambo (UMD), Twalib Kadege (UPDP), Abdul Mluya (DP) and Coaster Kibonde (Chama cha Demokrasia Makini).
The early starters
Among those already active, CCM’s President Hassan launched her campaign on August 28 in Dar es Salaam, pledging to open a “new chapter of hope” within her first 100 days if re-elected.
Opposition parties Chaumma and CUF staged their launches on Sunday, August 31. In Dar es Salaam, Chaumma flagbearer Salum Mwalimu unveiled a radical agenda, vowing to constitutionally recognise the media as the “Fourth Pillar of the State”, deliver a living wage for civil servants within five years, and safeguard the Union.
Presenting the party’s manifesto, Mr Mwalimu outlined seven pillars, including building a productive economy, transforming agriculture to guarantee food security, enacting a new constitution, and creating a fairer tax system to lower living costs.
Meanwhile in Mwanza, CUF chairman Ibrahim Lipumba and presidential candidate Samandito Gombo launched their campaign with a firm anti-corruption message. Mr Gombo pledged to compel public servants guilty of embezzlement to return stolen resources. CUF secretary-general Husna Abdalla Mohammed confirmed the party was campaigning in Mara region.
Similarly, the AAFP rolled out its campaign in Morogoro on August 31. Secretary-general Rashid Ligania told The Citizen that the party intends to reach “the entire country”.
UDP officially launched its campaign in Magu on Monday. UDP national chairman John Cheyo said activities were proceeding smoothly.
For CCK, preparations will culminate in a rally on Wednesday at Bakhresa grounds in Dar es Salaam. Chairman David Mwaijojele said the campaign trail would next move to Dodoma, Mwanza, Morogoro and Kilimanjaro.
Chama cha Demokrasia Makini also confirmed activities had begun, with rallies in Ubungo Constituency on Tuesday.
The late starters
At least three parties are scheduled to launch on Wednesday. TLP will rally at Bhakressa grounds in Dar es Salaam, according to Secretary General Yustus Rwamugira. NLD, led by chairman Doyo Hassan Doyo, is preparing its national launch in Tanga. NRA chairman Khamis Faki Mgau said the party was already active in Zanzibar ahead of Wednesday’s mainland launch.
Other contenders are still finalising plans. SAU chairperson Bertha Mpata said their campaign will begin on September 9 at Ukonga in Dar es Salaam. ADC will launch in Mwanza on September 7, according to national chairman Shaban Itutu. UMD is set for September 6 in Tanga, with activities focused initially on Muheza District.
UPDP chairman Twalib Kadege said their campaign will commence on September 5 in Igoma, Mwanza. DP will follow on September 17 in Tabora, according to national chairman Abdul Mluya.
The missing voices
Efforts to reach NCCR-Mageuzi and ADA-TADEA proved unsuccessful. NCCR-Mageuzi Secretary General Avelyn Munisi said she was preoccupied with a family event and promised to respond later. Attempts to contact ADA-TADEA leaders Juma Khatib and Saleh Msumari were unsuccessful by press time.
The bigger picture
Observers note that the uneven pace of campaign launches highlights both organisational strengths and logistical weaknesses across Tanzania’s political landscape. While CCM and a handful of opposition parties moved swiftly to capture early momentum, others appear slower to mobilise resources and supporters.
The delays also raise questions about voter engagement, with pundits warning that late campaign starts could weaken smaller parties’ ability to influence the national debate.
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