Othman Masoud urges citizens to use ballot box as a tool for change

Pemba. ACT-Wazalendo National Chairperson and First Vice President of Zanzibar, Othman Masoud Othman, has called on Tanzanians particularly Zanzibaris to use the upcoming General Election to usher in new leadership, asserting that justice and sustainable development will only be realised through democratic reform.

Addressing supporters during a political rally at Azimio Grounds in Mbuzini, Ziwani Constituency on April 30, Mr Othman said that the time had come for voters to take charge of their future by electing leaders committed to public welfare, national dignity and peace.

“This is the year to reclaim Zanzibar,” he told a large gathering of party faithful. “We must end injustice through the ballot. Our people deserve leadership that protects—not undermines—public trust.”

Mr Othman referenced challenges the party has faced, including what he described as disrespect to historical figures and broken promises on governance, citing disputes surrounding the burial site of the late opposition leader Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad.

“Even the final resting place of Maalim Seif, who dedicated himself to peace and reconciliation, has not been spared,” he said. “Such actions reflect a deeper governance problem that must be addressed at the polls.”

With the October 2025 General Election fast approaching, the ACT-Wazalendo leader urged residents of Chake Chake Region, especially those in Ole and Ziwani, to continue backing the party’s reform agenda.

Focus on democratic accountability

During the event, Ismail Jussa, ACT-Wazalendo’s Deputy Chairperson in Zanzibar, echoed Mr Othman’s message and encouraged supporters to remain vigilant against political manipulation. He expressed confidence that the party is well-positioned to lead if given the mandate in the coming elections.

Mr Jussa also criticised recent remarks attributed to Urban-West Regional Commissioner Idrisa Kitwana Mustafa, who was reportedly captured on video instructing government officials to submit their voter registration cards.

The party has described this directive as inappropriate and has announced plans to file a formal complaint with the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC), accompanied by video evidence.

“We view this as a breach of both electoral conduct and democratic norms,” said Mr Jussa. “Such directives threaten the integrity of our electoral system.”

Party mobilisation continues

ACT-Wazalendo’s Deputy Secretary General for Zanzibar, Omar Ali Shehe, said the Mbuzini rally marked the conclusion of a mobilisation tour covering all four party regions in Pemba. He said the initiative aimed to prepare members and supporters for the next political phase, including the expected endorsement of Mr Othman as the party’s presidential candidate.

Mr Othman has already submitted his application for the party’s nomination and now awaits confirmation from the party’s central committee and general congress.

The event featured a mix of cultural entertainment and prayer sessions, and was marked by a symbolic defection of several individuals from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) to ACT-Wazalendo, with return of membership cards.

Mr Othman attended the rally alongside his wife, Zainab Kombo Shaib, and was joined by senior party officials including Salim Bimani (Director of Communications and Publicity), Yusuf Salim Khamis (Chake Chake Regional Chairperson), and Rashid Ali Abdalla (Pemba Regional Coordinator).

As political activity intensifies across Zanzibar and the mainland, ACT-Wazalendo says its focus remains on civic engagement, peaceful advocacy, and a vision of inclusive governance.