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Tanzania Top Stories

for the 13 Oct - 19 Oct

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SADC Sends Observers to Tanzania Polls
1. SADC Sends Observers to Tanzania Polls

Tanzania will hold general elections on October 29 amid a constrained political environment, with several opposition parties, including CHADEMA, barred from the presidential race. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed an Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM) to monitor pre-election, polling, and post-election processes. The mission will assess citizen participation, political violence prevention, and access to information. While observers aim to increase transparency and public confidence, analysts note they cannot guarantee fully free and fair elections.

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Ex-Ambassador Abduction Disputed
2. Ex-Ambassador Abduction Disputed

Tanzanian former ambassador Humphrey Polepole was taken from his home on October 6, ahead of national elections. Some sources say he died from injuries during the abduction, while human rights activists report he is still alive. Polepole, a former ruling party member, had criticised government corruption and repression. Rights groups note his case follows a pattern of disappearances targeting critics and opposition figures, and they call for a swift, independent investigation.

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Ex-Chadema MP Ezekiel Wenje Joins CCM
3. Ex-Chadema MP Ezekiel Wenje Joins CCM

Ezekiel Wenje, former Chadema MP for Nyamagana, joined the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) on Oct. 13, 2025. He announced his move at a CCM campaign rally in Chato, Geita Region. Wenje praised the party for promoting peace and national development. He opposed the planned October 29 demonstrations and expressed confidence in CCM’s ongoing projects. He also rejected claims that Chadema faces a ban from the upcoming general elections.

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Mpina Seeks Court Approval to Run
4. Mpina Seeks Court Approval to Run

The High Court of Tanzania will rule on whether Luhaga Mpina of ACT Wazalendo can contest the 29 October presidential election. INEC removed him from the ballot after internal party disputes and a petition from the attorney general. Mpina filed a legal challenge. Analysts say the court’s decision could set a precedent for electoral law. Ballot papers have already been printed, creating uncertainty about his participation.

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Chumi Receives WHO Envoy’s Credentials
5. Chumi Receives WHO Envoy’s Credentials

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Cosato Chumi received credentials from Dr. Alex Gasasira, the new World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Tanzania. Chumi reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working with the WHO to advance health-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. He also acknowledged WHO’s efforts toward its Triple Billion targets. Dr. Gasasira pledged to strengthen cooperation and support Tanzania’s efforts to improve health systems and services across the country.

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Makini Pledge Payments, Air Travel
6. Makini Pledge Payments, Air Travel

Demokrasia Makini’s Zanzibar presidential candidate, Ameir Hassan Ameir, pledged a monthly payment of Sh500,000 to every Zanzibari, outlining plans to fund the initiative. Meanwhile, Makini’s union presidential candidate, Coaster Kibonde, promised to make air travel affordable for all Tanzanians. Both candidates are actively campaigning ahead of the 29 October elections, with Kibonde formally receiving his nomination forms from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

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