ACT-Wazalendo targets Moshi seats as Chadema maintains boycott

Moshi. Opposition party ACT-Wazalendo is positioning itself to capture political ground in Kilimanjaro Region, as uncertainty surrounds Chadema’s participation in the October 2025 General Election.

Moshi Urban Constituency, once a Chadema stronghold under the late Philemon Ndesamburo—who held the seat for 15 consecutive years from 2000—is among the areas now being eyed by ACT-Wazalendo as the party expands its electoral reach.

With Chadema having declared that it will not participate in the upcoming polls unless electoral reforms are enacted, ACT-Wazalendo has moved to field candidates in the neighbouring Moshi Rural Constituency.

Two party cadres, Mr Livin Msele and Mr Jackson Masawe, have collected nomination forms to seek the party’s endorsement for the parliamentary race in Moshi Rural, currently held by CCM’s Prof Patrick Ndakidemi. The forms were collected at different times at the party’s regional office in Kiusa Ward, Moshi.

ACT-Wazalendo’s Moshi Rural constituency secretary, Mr Januari John, confirmed at the weekend that a third aspirant, Ms Lilian Joseph, has also collected forms to contest for a Special Seats position under the party’s women’s quota.

“The nomination process is ongoing. So far, we have three members who have collected forms—two for the parliamentary seat and one for Special Seats,” said Mr John.

He added that the constituency comprises 16 wards, and the party is preparing to field competitive councillorship candidates in all of them.

“We know elections are a contest, and as a party, we are ready to compete. Our aim is to nominate strong, widely accepted candidates in all 16 wards,” he said.

“Our strategy is to front individuals with the ability to mobilise community support and who are respected across various social groups. That is the only way to ensure a credible path to victory,” he said.

Mr John noted that aspiring councillors in 10 of the 16 wards have already collected nomination forms, and in six of those wards, more than two party members have shown interest.

Speaking to the press, Mr Msele—who also serves as ACT-Wazalendo’s constituency chairman for Moshi Rural—expressed confidence in his preparations and readiness to serve.

“This is the right time for me to represent and speak for the people of Moshi Rural in Parliament. I am well-prepared and confident that I will win if given the party’s nomination,” he said.

Mr Msele cited poor road infrastructure as a key challenge affecting residents, particularly farmers in lowland areas who face difficulties transporting their produce due to impassable roads.

“There are also schools with dilapidated infrastructure. The people need someone to speak up for these issues,” he said.

He pledged to uphold ACT-Wazalendo’s core principles—patriotism, equality, dignity, accountability, and democracy—while championing priority sectors such as education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure, and security.