INEC upholds, dismisses appeals over nomination decisions
DAR ES SALAAM: THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has upheld and dismissed several appeals challenging decisions made by election supervisors regarding parliamentary and councillorship nominations across Mainland Tanzania.
INEC’s Director of Elections, Mr Ramadhan Kailima said in a statement released on Wednesday that the Commission had received a total of 51 appeals, 20 concerning parliamentary seats and 31 for councillorship positions.
He explained that 13 appeals were resolved on August 31st this year, with decisions made public the same day, while the remaining 38 appeals were determined between September 1 and 3 this year.
“Out of the parliamentary ap- peals, four were upheld, seven dismissed and one nullified. For councillorship, nine appeals were upheld and 17 dismissed,” Mr Kailima stated.
Candidates who succeeded in their appeals and were cleared to proceed with their campaigns include Mvungi Lucas Felix (Mwanga, NCCR–Mageuzi), Anaeli Roiya Nasari (Arumeru East, ACT–Wazalendo), Ngwada Mubarak Twaha (Mafinga Urban, CHAUMMA) and Esther Nicholas Matiko (Tarime Urban, CCM).
Mr Kailima said the Com- mission reversed the decisions of election supervisors in these cases.
However, in Tarime Urban, INEC revoked the nomination of Kangoye Jackson Ryoba (ACT– Wazalendo), removing him from the official list of candidates.
INEC dismissed the appeals of the following parliamentary aspirants, Gimbi Dotto Masaba (Itilima, CHAUMMA), Omary Ahmad Badwel (Bahi, CHAUMMA), Mohamed Juma Haji (Chambani, AAFP), Loyce Benjamin Giboma (Ubungo, CHAUMMA), Pius Ismail Masuruli (Bunda Urban, ACT– Wazalendo), Kangoye Jackson Ryoba (Tarime Urban, ACT– Wazalendo) and Salum Khamis Salum (Meatu, CCM).
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In these cases, INEC upheld the supervisors’ decisions to reject the candidates’ nomina- tions.
As a result, Esther Ernest Bulaya (Bunda Urban, CCM), Esther Nicholas Matiko (Tarime Urban, CCM) and Rosemary Kasimbi Kirigini (Meatu, ACT– Wazalendo) remain the official candidates in their respective constituencies. One appeal, filed by Flatei Gregory Massay (Mbulu Rural, ACT–Wazalendo), was nullified after he voluntarily withdrew, rendering the matter moot.
INEC reinstated nine coun- cillorship candidates, allowing them to proceed with their campaigns: Abdurahamani Mohamedi Matulano (Mijelejele, ACT–Wazalendo), Anafi Salumu Nandala (Ndomoni, ACT– Wazalendo), Charles Bakari Hokororo (Namwanga, ACT– Wazalendo), Lulu Omari Bakari (Rahaleo, NCCR–Mageuzi) and Mackrina Chales Nyoni (Mkon- go, ACT–Wazalendo).
Others are Mabula Ngwelemi Bugali (Sagata, CUF), Richard Africa Mwangomale (Lufilyo, CHAUMMA), William Daniel Baliyakula (Buseresere, ACT–Wazalendo) and Saidi Hamisi Mikunya (Njinjo, CUF).
Meanwhile, 17 appeals were dismissed, confirming the nominations of rival candidates, including, Halidi Mohamedi Kilete (Miguruwe, CUF), Kalwani Mteganoni Baluhya (Bulungwa, CCM), Mohammed Boniface Rubondo (Mzenga, CCM), Donnard Ndaro Protas (Kitangiri, CCM) and Emily Edwin Mwasongwe (Itope, ACT–Wa- zalendo).
Others are Mwevi Ramadhani Mwevi (Kiseke, CCM), Mussa Yusuph Ngupapa (Igurusi, ACT–Wazalendo), Sadock Kajungu Peter (Songambele, CCM), Rosemary Lameck Lwiva (Majengo, CCM), Tumaini Mwita Chacha (Muriba, CCM) and Job Isaack Ibrahim (Mzinga, CCM).
Mr Kailima emphasised that all decisions were made in accordance with the Elections Act No. 1 of 2024 and the 2025 Election Regulations, ensuring legal compliance and fairness.
“The Commission has carefully reviewed each case based on the law and available evidence. Those cleared will proceed with campaigns, while those whose appeals were dismissed remain disqualified,” he said.
The rulings come as Tanzania prepares for General Election on October 29th this year, with political parties ramping up campaigns nationwide.
