Hamad Rashid: Citizens need food before constitution
The Alliance for Democratic Change (ADC) presidential candidate for Zanzibar, Mr Hamad Rashid Mohamed, addresses journalists in Kiembesamaki, West Urban District, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. PHOTO|ZULEIKHA FATAWI
He made the remarks on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, while addressing journalists at a meeting in Kiembesamaki, West Urban District
Unguja. Zanzibar presidential candidate for the Alliance for Democratic Change (ADC), Hamad Rashid Mohamed, said his party believes citizens must be well fed to have the energy to work, conduct research, and utilise the nation’s resources.
He made the remarks on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, while addressing journalists at a meeting in Kiembesamaki, West Urban District.
Mr Mohamed said he had observed many citizens prioritising food over a constitution, as the latter cannot feed anyone.
“Citizens want to be fed, not a constitution, because it cannot feed anyone. That is why this party seeks to develop each citizen individually,” said Hamad.
He explained that if elected, within a year, all farmers would receive free agricultural inputs, and one kilogramme of rice would be sold at no more than Sh1,500.
Mr Mohamed added that the party adopts a more practical approach to campaigning, favouring digital campaigns over public rallies, because citizens want results, not words.
He said the current education system cannot produce specialists who meet the country’s needs.
If elected, his party will conduct research and train students in skills relevant to national development.
He said the Zanzibar Valantia Unit (KVZ), and the Zanzibar National Service (JKU) would produce food seeds to address shortages.
Furthermore, the party plans to raise the minimum wage to Sh600,000, provide free weighing scales to curb inflation, reform economic structures, and build small-scale industries to add value to cloves and make Zanzibar a leading clove market.
