The High Court has allowed the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo to challenge the appointment of special seats Members of Parliament (MPs) made after the October 29, 2025 General Election.
After the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) appointed 115 special seats MPs. Out of these, 113 were given to the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), while only two seats went to the opposition Chaumma Party. ACT-Wazalendo did not receive any special seats.
ACT-Wazalendo argues that the distribution of the special seats was unfair and did not reflect the actual election results. The party says the appointments violated the Constitution and electoral laws, which require proportional representation based on votes won by each party.
In its ruling, the High Court said the case raises serious constitutional and legal questions that deserve to be heard fully. The court rejected attempts to block the case and allowed ACT-Wazalendo to proceed with its legal challenge.
The decision means the court will now examine whether INEC followed the law when allocating the special seats and whether the process respected democratic principles.
ACT-Wazalendo welcomed the ruling, saying it is an important step toward justice, fairness, and transparency in Tanzania’s electoral system. The case is expected to have a major impact on how special seats MPs are appointed in future elections.
