Prime
ACT: Why we will participate in elections despite concerns
ACT-Wazalendo national chairperson Othman Masoud Othman, who is also Zanzibar’s First Vice President, waves to supporters as he arrives at the party’s Zanzibar sub-office to return his presidential nomination forms on April 16, 2025. PHOTO | CORRESPONDENT
What you need to know:
- ACT-Wazalendo has confirmed that it will participate in the October 2025 General Election, even as it maintains its campaign for electoral reforms
Unguja. ACT-Wazalendo has confirmed that it will participate in the October 2025 General Election, even as it maintains its campaign for electoral reforms, following a unanimous decision by the party’s National Leadership Committee.
The decision was reached during a meeting held on Monday in Unguja, Zanzibar, where the committee resolved that the party would contest all positions—ranging from councillorship to the Union and Zanzibar presidencies.
Speaking at a press briefing after the meeting, party leader and presidential aspirant Dorothy Semu said the decision was informed by a detailed political analysis of the country’s situation and lessons drawn from other nations facing similar democratic challenges.
“After deep deliberation, the National Leadership Committee has resolved that ACT-Wazalendo will contest the 2025 General Election at all levels, including the Union presidency, Zanzibar presidency, parliamentary, representative and councillor seats,” she said.
Ms Semu added that the decision was based on the party’s continued commitment to the struggle for democracy, social justice and the protection of the people’s vote.
She said three key reasons guided the committee’s resolution. The first was the urgent need to defend the integrity of the vote, which she said had been systematically undermined.
“Experience shows the value of the vote has eroded. Citizens no longer decide who leads them—state apparatus does. Our aim is to lead a national movement to reclaim and protect the vote.”
Ms Semu further argued that election boycotts only serve to entrench authoritarianism, adding that those in power welcome opposition withdrawals.
“History from Kenya, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Venezuela and Zanzibar teaches us that when the opposition boycotts elections, the ruling parties do not change. Instead, they celebrate the vacuum.”
Ms Semu added that ACT-Wazalendo is prepared to govern, saying CCM has failed to uphold good governance and public accountability.
Referencing the 2022/23 report by the Controller and Auditor General (CAG), she said, “Sh3.14 trillion has gone unaccounted for. We are entering this election to give Tanzanians a platform to reject corruption. We are fighting for a nation that serves all.”
Meanwhile, Zanzibar’s First Vice President and ACT-Wazalendo national chairperson, Mr Othman Masoud Othman, has officially submitted nomination forms seeking the party’s endorsement to run for the Zanzibar presidency.
Mr Othman, who announced his intention on January 1 and collected the forms on April 12, submitted them on Tuesday at the party’s Zanzibar headquarters, where they were received by the party’s Election Committee Secretary, Mhene Said Rashid.
The event was attended by senior ACT-Wazalendo officials, including Ms Semu, Mainland vice chairperson Issihaka Mchinjita, Zanzibar vice chairperson Ismail Jussa, secretary-general Ado Shaibu and other leaders.
In his remarks, Mr Othman pledged to lead with integrity and work to transform the lives of Zanzibaris.
“Zanzibar needs liberation, and this is the year to make that happen through the ballot box. It is time to ensure that Zanzibaris benefit from their own resources, fix our electoral systems, foster national unity and stop public sector abuse,” he said.
Mr Othman, who cited his extensive experience in public service, appealed to party members and citizens to entrust him with the responsibility of delivering social justice and economic transformation.
“I am submitting these forms to ask you to place this responsibility on my shoulders—to lift Zanzibaris out of poverty, oppression, and the denial of their basic rights.”
Mr Othman added that the growing awareness among citizens, particularly regarding public sector corruption, would be key to ACT-Wazalendo’s chances in the upcoming election.
“I enter this election with the same spirit as my predecessor, the late Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad—a spirit of victory. Zanzibaris are ready for real change,” he said.
