The ACT-Wazalendo national chairperson and party presidential candidate for Zanzibar warned that early signs of electoral manipulation had created fear and mistrust.
Unguja. Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman, has said the Isles’ Government of National Unity (GNU) should not be seen as the final political destination. He stressed that the greater mission is achieving lasting peace, political stability, and genuine sovereignty to drive development.
Mr Othman made the remarks yesterday during a meeting with a U.S. Congress Foreign Affairs Committee delegation at his Migombani office. The group visited Zanzibar to engage leaders ahead of Tanzania’s General Election in October.
“Peace and stability are more important than mere political arrangements,” he said. “Every wave of electoral manipulation undermines progress. Our goal is to see Zanzibar rise in economy, politics, governance, and administration, while safeguarding citizens’ rights.”
The ACT-Wazalendo national chairperson and party presidential candidate for Zanzibar warned that early signs of electoral manipulation had created fear and mistrust. He cited denial of voter registration, misuse of state power, and the two-day voting process on the Isles compared with a single day on the Mainland.
He also condemned the reinstatement of officials linked to past election violence, saying: “It proves the authorities care little about tragedies that cost innocent lives.” Despite these concerns, Mr Othman insisted ACT-Wazalendo would contest the elections.
“If we win, Zanzibar can reclaim its rightful place within five years—with a fair electoral system, stronger infrastructure, youth empowerment, and accountable public service,” he said.
The First Vice President criticised what he described as a political culture designed to keep opposition parties weak, saying that even small-scale assistance from associations or institutions is often blocked.
“This has discouraged citizens, leaving CCM to appear as if it is the only party with the right to govern,” he said.
He compared election malpractice to “terrorism and money laundering” and accused foreign nations of turning a blind eye to abuses. He further lamented Zanzibar’s economic stagnation despite its rich resources, drawing comparisons with Mauritius and Seychelles.
Turning to history, he reminded the delegation that Zanzibar was the first Sub-Saharan African country to establish diplomatic ties with the United States in 1833, urging stronger cooperation to unlock the Isles’ potential.
For his part, U.S. Congressional representative Philip Oke Thomas urged Tanzania to deliver a peaceful and credible election.
“Visitors love Zanzibar’s beauty and culture, but they do not want to arrive and see chaos,” he said, recalling the 2001 post-election violence that left dozens dead.
The U.S. delegation included senior officials from the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania, led by Richard Allen, head of the Political Section for Zanzibar Affairs.
