High Court Showdown Over ACT-Wazalendo’s Presidential Nomination in Tanzania

As Tanzania approaches the October 2025 general elections, political tensions are rising around the ACT-Wazalendo party’s presidential nomination. A legal battle has erupted in the High Court of Tanzania, challenging the legitimacy of the party’s nomination process and threatening to reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of a pivotal vote.

The dispute, which has drawn national attention, underscores the fragile balance between electoral law, party democracy, and the broader fight for political legitimacy in Tanzania.

Background: Tanzania’s Shifting Political Climate

Since the return to multi-party democracy in the 1990s, Tanzania has experienced periods of both political opening and restriction. While the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) remains the dominant ruling party, opposition groups like ACT-Wazalendo have steadily gained influence, particularly in Zanzibar.

Founded in 2014, ACT-Wazalendo has built its reputation on advocating for transparency, social justice, and government accountability. Its leaders, including Zitto Kabwe, have positioned the party as a credible challenger to CCM’s long-standing dominance.

But the run-up to the 2025 elections has been marked by intensifying competition, legal disputes, and regulatory scrutiny—all of which have set the stage for this latest High Court battle.

The Court Case: Nomination Rights Under Scrutiny

At the center of the legal battle is the question of presidential candidacy rights within ACT-Wazalendo. Internal party factions have reportedly disagreed on both the timing and the procedural fairness of the nomination process.

One faction, backed by a group of senior party members, argues that the nomination process violated ACT-Wazalendo’s internal constitution, claiming that delegate participation was restricted and that proper voting procedures were not followed.

The opposing faction maintains that the process was carried out legally, in compliance with both Tanzania’s Political Parties Act and the party’s own constitution. They argue that attempts to invalidate the nomination are politically motivated and risk weakening opposition unity at a critical time.

The case has now been brought before the High Court in Dar es Salaam, where judges will determine whether ACT-Wazalendo’s candidate can legally appear on the October ballot.

Implications for the October 2025 Elections

The stakes are high. If the High Court rules against ACT-Wazalendo, the party could be forced to restart its nomination process or even risk exclusion from the presidential race altogether. Such a scenario would not only damage the party’s credibility but also weaken the broader opposition coalition at a time when unified resistance to CCM could be decisive.

Observers note that Tanzania’s elections have often been marred by disputes over fairness and transparency. International monitors have previously expressed concerns about state influence over electoral processes, raising questions about whether this court battle is purely legal or also politically influenced.

Expert Reactions: What Analysts Are Saying

Political analysts and legal experts are closely following the case, warning that the outcome could set a precedent for how internal party disputes are handled in Tanzania.

According to Dr. Asha Nyerere, a constitutional law scholar at the University of Dar es Salaam, the case highlights the fragility of internal party democracy in Tanzania.

“This is not just a question of who represents ACT-Wazalendo. It is about how parties interpret and uphold their internal constitutions. The High Court’s decision could influence how every opposition party approaches internal governance.”

Meanwhile, regional observers from The Citizen and other Tanzanian outlets have suggested that the ruling may also be read as a test of the judiciary’s independence. If the decision is perceived as politically biased, it could undermine public trust in the broader election process.

For a deeper analysis on Tanzania’s political party disputes, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies has published key insights into opposition dynamics and electoral transparency here.

Broader Political Context: Lessons from Zanzibar

ACT-Wazalendo’s influence has been particularly strong in Zanzibar, where it has acted as the main opposition force against CCM. In the 2020 Zanzibar elections, ACT-Wazalendo contested the results, citing irregularities and violence that marred the process.

That history makes the current High Court showdown even more critical. If ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential candidate is disqualified, the party’s credibility in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania could be severely damaged, leaving CCM with even less resistance in key constituencies.

Furthermore, given ACT-Wazalendo’s reputation for championing social welfare policies and pushing for government transparency, sidelining the party could reduce the diversity of policy debates ahead of the October elections.

The Role of Electoral Bodies

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) will ultimately oversee the October elections, but the High Court’s ruling will directly influence who is eligible to run. NEC officials have so far declined to comment on the ACT-Wazalendo case, stating that it falls under judicial jurisdiction until a ruling is made.

However, civil society groups have urged NEC to take a proactive role in ensuring transparency, warning that public faith in the election process is already strained.

International election observers, including delegations from the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU), are also monitoring the situation closely, as Tanzania prepares for what could be one of its most contested elections in decades.

Risk of Fragmentation in the Opposition

Beyond the immediate legal stakes, the dispute threatens to deepen factional divides within the opposition.

Some members fear that if ACT-Wazalendo fails to present a united front, it could fracture the broader coalition of opposition parties, allowing CCM to secure another decisive victory.

Analyst Fatma Mohammed, writing for the Brookings Institution, has argued that Tanzania’s opposition parties must urgently coordinate strategies, share resources, and present a unified platform if they hope to compete effectively in 2025. Her full commentary can be read here.

What Happens Next

The High Court is expected to deliver a ruling within the coming weeks, but the political fallout will extend far beyond the courtroom.

If ACT-Wazalendo’s candidate is cleared to run, the party will need to repair internal divisions quickly in order to mount a credible campaign. If not, Tanzania’s opposition will face the daunting task of reorganizing under extreme time pressure.

Either way, the ruling will mark a defining moment in the run-up to the 2025 elections—testing both the strength of Tanzania’s judicial independence and the resilience of its multiparty democracy.

Conclusion

The High Court showdown over ACT-Wazalendo’s presidential nomination is more than a legal technicality—it is a struggle over the future of Tanzania’s democracy.

With just over a year before Tanzanians head to the polls, the court’s decision will shape not only who appears on the ballot, but also how citizens perceive the fairness, transparency, and inclusivity of the entire electoral system.

As the October 2025 elections draw closer, all eyes remain on the courtroom in Dar es Salaam, where the balance between law, politics, and public trust is now on trial.