Tanzania court reverses opposition leader election ban
The government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan has increasingly cracked down on the opposition, drawing criticism from international rights groups and monitors.
Luhaga Mpina, candidate for the third-largest party, the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT Wazalendo), was barred from standing by the Electoral Commission last month. (Courtesy photo)
By AFP .
Journalists @New Vision
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A Tanzanian court on Thursday reversed a decision to ban a leading candidate for next month's presidential election.
The government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan has increasingly cracked down on the opposition, drawing criticism from international rights groups and monitors.
Luhaga Mpina, candidate for the third-largest party, the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT Wazalendo), was barred from standing by the Electoral Commission last month because "he lacked qualifications".
At the time, the party labelled the decision "embarrassing" and said it "raises serious questions regarding the integrity, diligence, competence and independence of the Commission".
On Thursday, the judge said the decision had "denied the applicants the right to be heard... and was unconstitutional, void, and of no effect."
Other parties are also facing a crackdown.
Tundu Lissu, leader of main opposition party Chadema, is on trial for treason, which carries the death penalty.
He says the charges were trumped up to prevent him from challenging Hassan in the election on October 29.