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- Sep 2, 2024
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It has been recently reported that hundreds of opposition candidates in the upcoming local government elections have been disqualified from participating.
The ACT Wazalendo party reported that approximately 60% of their candidates have been disqualified for reasons they claim lack legal and procedural grounds.
According to the election schedule, November 8 was the official nomination day for candidates vying for various leadership positions.
However, reports indicate that only opposition candidates have been disqualified, primarily due to alleged procedural violations or failure to meet certain requirements.
Read also: Songwe: Katibu wa CCM avamiwa na watu wasiojulikana na kuvunjwa miguu yote miwili
As CHADEMA continues to compile a complete list of all their disqualified candidates across the country, their branch in Kilosa district submitted a letter yesterday confirming that 242 candidates had been disqualified in that district alone.
CHADEMA also reports that other candidates from Buhigwe constituency in Kigoma region not only faced disqualification but were also accused of not being citizens.
In Tunduru North constituency, ACT Wazalendo states that 69 of their candidates were disqualified, with only 23 being approved.
In Kigoma Town constituency, 63 of their candidates were disqualified, leaving only five approved.
In Tunduru South, which ACT Wazalendo claims to be one of their strongholds, only 13 candidates were approved, while 34 were disqualified.
Some of ACT Wazalendo’s candidates were reportedly disqualified for reasons such as the unavailability of the positions they applied for or filling out forms incorrectly.
CHADEMA reported that some of their candidates were disqualified outside the legal timeframe and without valid objections.
“The situation is very bad; our candidates are being disqualified even at night, which is beyond the allowed timeframe. People are just being summoned, handed letters, and told they have been disqualified,” said Jon Mrema, CHADEMA's Director of Communications.
Mrema added that some candidates were told they were disqualified because their party, CHADEMA, was allegedly unregistered. Other candidates from Dar es Salaam were disqualified after indicating on their forms that their primary source of income was entrepreneurship.
“Election officers are disqualifying them, saying entrepreneurship is not a legitimate occupation. So we’re left asking, if entrepreneurship isn’t a legitimate job, how did the government issue them official business IDs?” questioned Mrema.
Both parties have submitted complaints demanding that their candidates be reinstated and are expecting responses by the end of the day.
They also have three days to file appeals, with all appeal decisions expected by November 13. Two days ago, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), Mohamed Mchengerwa, reminded political parties, candidates, and other election stakeholders that anyone dissatisfied with the election process has the right to appeal.
"Anyone with complaints should focus on following the law and regulations, as our laws and regulations cover all potential issues that could arise from this election," said Mchengerwa.
The ACT Wazalendo party reported that approximately 60% of their candidates have been disqualified for reasons they claim lack legal and procedural grounds.
According to the election schedule, November 8 was the official nomination day for candidates vying for various leadership positions.
However, reports indicate that only opposition candidates have been disqualified, primarily due to alleged procedural violations or failure to meet certain requirements.
Read also: Songwe: Katibu wa CCM avamiwa na watu wasiojulikana na kuvunjwa miguu yote miwili
As CHADEMA continues to compile a complete list of all their disqualified candidates across the country, their branch in Kilosa district submitted a letter yesterday confirming that 242 candidates had been disqualified in that district alone.
CHADEMA also reports that other candidates from Buhigwe constituency in Kigoma region not only faced disqualification but were also accused of not being citizens.
In Tunduru North constituency, ACT Wazalendo states that 69 of their candidates were disqualified, with only 23 being approved.
In Kigoma Town constituency, 63 of their candidates were disqualified, leaving only five approved.
In Tunduru South, which ACT Wazalendo claims to be one of their strongholds, only 13 candidates were approved, while 34 were disqualified.
Some of ACT Wazalendo’s candidates were reportedly disqualified for reasons such as the unavailability of the positions they applied for or filling out forms incorrectly.
CHADEMA reported that some of their candidates were disqualified outside the legal timeframe and without valid objections.
“The situation is very bad; our candidates are being disqualified even at night, which is beyond the allowed timeframe. People are just being summoned, handed letters, and told they have been disqualified,” said Jon Mrema, CHADEMA's Director of Communications.
Mrema added that some candidates were told they were disqualified because their party, CHADEMA, was allegedly unregistered. Other candidates from Dar es Salaam were disqualified after indicating on their forms that their primary source of income was entrepreneurship.
“Election officers are disqualifying them, saying entrepreneurship is not a legitimate occupation. So we’re left asking, if entrepreneurship isn’t a legitimate job, how did the government issue them official business IDs?” questioned Mrema.
Both parties have submitted complaints demanding that their candidates be reinstated and are expecting responses by the end of the day.
They also have three days to file appeals, with all appeal decisions expected by November 13. Two days ago, the Minister of State in the President’s Office for Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), Mohamed Mchengerwa, reminded political parties, candidates, and other election stakeholders that anyone dissatisfied with the election process has the right to appeal.
"Anyone with complaints should focus on following the law and regulations, as our laws and regulations cover all potential issues that could arise from this election," said Mchengerwa.