Tanzanian Party Takes Poll Barring to Court as Campaigning Begins
A key Tanzanian political party has taken the barring of their leader to the High Court. ACT-Wazalendo is arguing that the decision by the Registrar of Political Parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deny their candidate the opportunity to contest is unlawful and violates democratic rights. This came after the country’s main opposition CHADEMA party was disqualified from participating in the polls, and its chairperson, Tundu Lissu, is being held in custody for alleged treason.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is left to face smaller parties, is running for the presidency for the first time since assuming the role after the death of her predecessor, John Magufuli.
Tanzania’s human rights record has come under increased criticism for the alleged abduction of government critics.
