ACT-Wazalendo's Candidates Spark New Energy in Tanzania's 2025 Election Race

Political Shifts and New Energy in Tanzanian Presidential Race

The political landscape of Tanzania has seen a notable transformation as the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo officially announced its presidential candidates, marking a pivotal moment in the upcoming elections. This announcement took place during the party’s special national congress held at the Mlimani City Conference Hall in Dar es Salaam. The event not only highlighted the party's strategic positioning but also signaled a shift in the dynamics of the electoral race.

At the congress, former Kisesa MP Mr Luhaga Mpina was declared the party's candidate for the Union presidency, while ACT-Wazalendo national chairman and Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Mr Othman Masoud Othman, will contest for the Zanzibar presidency. This move represents a significant step in the opposition's strategy to challenge the ruling party's long-standing dominance.

Strategic Moves by Major Parties

Following similar steps taken by other parties, notably CCM, which had earlier nominated President Samia Suluhu Hassan to defend her Union presidency and Dr Hussein Mwinyi for the Zanzibar presidency, ACT-Wazalendo's decision has injected new energy into the opposition base. Political analysts predict a more competitive and animated race as a result of these developments.

ACT-Wazalendo's announcement is not just about candidates; it includes the launch of its 2025–2030 election manifesto. This comprehensive document outlines a vision centered on job creation, governance reforms, and inclusive development. The party pledges to create 12 million jobs through strategic investments in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and the creative economy. Additionally, the manifesto commits to strengthening public services, particularly in health and education, and initiating constitutional reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability.

Readiness for Electoral Contest

ACT-Wazalendo's secretary-general, Mr Ado Shaibu, affirmed the party's preparedness for the electoral contest. He revealed that nominations for councillorship, parliamentary, and House of Representatives seats had been finalized nationwide. His declaration of readiness highlights the party's commitment to challenging the ruling party effectively.

A key moment during the congress was the withdrawal of Ms Dorothy Semu, the party’s Vice Chairperson (Mainland), from the presidential bid in favor of Mr Mpina. This decision consolidated party unity around the newly announced candidates, reinforcing the party's collective focus on the upcoming elections.

Analyst Perspectives

Political analysts view the unveiling of ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential ticket as a major shift in the country’s political landscape. Many see this as a strategic challenge to CCM’s longstanding electoral dominance. Dr Onesmo Kyauke from the University of Dar es Salaam noted that Mr Mpina’s entry into the race injects renewed enthusiasm into the campaign season and signals a potentially transformative moment in national politics.

Prof Makame Ali Ussi from the State University of Zanzibar described ACT-Wazalendo’s choices as strategically sound, particularly in bridging both the Mainland and Zanzibar through seasoned candidates. He emphasized that Mr Mpina’s defection from CCM and his vocal criticism of the current administration have made him a figure with significant public visibility and political weight.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the positive momentum, experts caution that visibility alone will not be enough to secure electoral success. Dr Richard Mbunda, a political science lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam, observed that while the move adds depth to the presidential race, the ultimate challenge for ACT-Wazalendo will be translating enthusiasm into actual votes during the general election.

As the race for State House and Zanzibar’s presidency intensifies, the stage is set for a more engaging and competitive electoral season. Tanzanians can expect a dynamic political environment as the opposition continues to challenge the status quo and present alternative visions for the country's future.