ACT-Wazalendo declares 2025 a turning point in Zanzibar’s politics

Unguja.  ACT-Wazalendo national chairperson, Mr Othman Masoud Othman, has declared 2025 a pivotal year for Zanzibar’s political future, urging citizens to reject corrupt leadership and restore integrity to public office.

Addressing a party strategy meeting held on Wednesday, 23 July, in Unguja, Mr Othman told regional and local leaders that the party was prepared to spearhead change by challenging the ruling party’s dominance.

“This is the year we bury the arrogance of the corrupt. Our people deserve leaders who serve, not those who exploit public office for personal gain,” he said during the meeting at Majid Hall in Kiembe Samaki, Urban West Region.

The meeting brought together regional, constituency, and ward-level leaders, as well as aspirants seeking ACT-Wazalendo’s endorsement for parliamentary, council, and House of Representatives positions ahead of the October 2025 General Election.

It followed a similar engagement held earlier this month in Pemba.

Mr Othman said that the large turnout of aspirants demonstrated growing public confidence in the party’s agenda centred on justice, equality, and national liberation.

“Despite intimidation and threats, the courage shown by those stepping forward reflects a deep understanding of our mission. This is truly the year to save Zanzibar,” he said.

The former Attorney General and current First Vice President of Zanzibar emphasised that ACT-Wazalendo would continue vetting candidates strictly in line with party principles, national laws, and the expectations of the electorate.

Only candidates of proven integrity, he stressed, would be allowed to contest under the party’s banner.

Mr Othman further called on members not to forget the injustices suffered by fellow citizens.

“We must remember those who were beaten, tortured, killed, or left permanently disabled. These tragedies must end, and to do so, we must remove CCM from power,” he said, referring to the ruling party.

He also commended the increasing number of female aspirants within the party, calling it a reflection of ACT-Wazalendo’s commitment to gender equality and inclusive governance.

Echoing the party leader’s sentiments, ACT-Wazalendo’s Zanzibar Vice Chairperson, Mr Ismail Jussa, said the party would remain faithful to its founding ideals of national liberation rather than personal ambition.

“Our founders sacrificed their own interests to fight for this nation. We must honour that legacy,” Mr Jussa said.

According to the party’s Deputy Secretary General for Zanzibar, Mr Omar Ali Shehe, a total of 606 members have collected nomination forms to contest various elective positions in the Isles.