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AC T- Wazalendodeclares 2025aturningpointin Zanzibarspolitics

ACT-Wazalendo Declares 2025 a Turning Point in Zanzibar's Politics

In a bold and resolute announcement, the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo has positioned the year 2025 as a pivotal moment for Zanzibar's political landscape, signaling what they describe as an inevitable shift away from the long-dominant rule of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. This declaration came during a major rally held in Zanzibar, where party leaders and supporters gathered to articulate their vision for change, emphasizing themes of democratic reform, economic empowerment, and social justice. The event underscored the growing momentum of opposition forces in the semi-autonomous archipelago, which has been under CCM control for decades, often amid allegations of electoral irregularities and suppression of dissent.

At the heart of the rally was ACT-Wazalendo's chairperson, who delivered a fiery speech outlining the party's strategy for the upcoming general elections in 2025. He portrayed the elections not merely as a contest for power but as a referendum on Zanzibar's future, one that could dismantle the entrenched systems of governance that have, in the party's view, stifled progress and perpetuated inequality. The chairperson highlighted historical grievances, including the disputed elections of previous years, where opposition figures claimed widespread fraud and intimidation tactics were employed to maintain CCM's grip on power. By framing 2025 as a "turning point," ACT-Wazalendo aims to mobilize a broad coalition of voters disillusioned with the status quo, including youth, women, and marginalized communities who have borne the brunt of economic hardships.

The party's manifesto, unveiled during the event, promises sweeping reforms across multiple sectors. Economically, ACT-Wazalendo pledges to revitalize Zanzibar's tourism and agriculture industries, which form the backbone of the islands' economy. Leaders criticized the current administration for failing to capitalize on these resources, pointing to issues like land grabbing, corruption in clove production, and inadequate infrastructure that hampers trade. They propose policies aimed at equitable distribution of wealth, including subsidies for small-scale farmers and incentives for local entrepreneurs to reduce dependency on mainland Tanzania and foreign investors. Socially, the party emphasizes healthcare improvements, education access, and gender equality, vowing to address the high rates of youth unemployment and poverty that plague the region.

A significant aspect of the declaration involves calls for electoral transparency and international oversight. ACT-Wazalendo leaders expressed concerns over the integrity of the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC), accusing it of bias toward CCM. They advocated for reforms such as independent monitoring, voter education campaigns, and the use of technology to prevent ballot stuffing and other malpractices. This stance resonates with past incidents, such as the 2020 elections, where opposition parties boycotted or contested results amid reports of violence and arrests. By declaring 2025 a turning point, the party is not only challenging CCM's dominance but also appealing to the international community, including organizations like the African Union and the Commonwealth, to ensure fair play.

Supporters at the rally echoed these sentiments, with many waving party flags and chanting slogans that reflected a desire for change. Personal stories shared by attendees highlighted the human cost of the current political environment: families divided by partisan loyalties, businesses crippled by bureaucratic red tape, and a sense of hopelessness among the younger generation. One young activist spoke of how ACT-Wazalendo represents hope for a Zanzibar where merit, not political affiliation, determines opportunities. The party's youth wing, in particular, has been instrumental in organizing grassroots campaigns, leveraging social media to spread their message and counter what they call CCM's propaganda.

Critics of ACT-Wazalendo, however, argue that the party's ambitions may be overly optimistic, given CCM's deep-rooted influence in institutions like the judiciary, security forces, and local administration. CCM representatives have dismissed the declaration as mere rhetoric, asserting that their party has delivered stability and development to Zanzibar since the 1964 revolution. They point to infrastructure projects, such as road improvements and port expansions, as evidence of progress under their leadership. Yet, ACT-Wazalendo counters that these achievements are superficial and fail to address systemic issues like income inequality and human rights abuses.

The declaration also touches on the complex relationship between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania. As a semi-autonomous entity, Zanzibar maintains its own president and house of representatives, but ultimate authority rests with the Union government in Dodoma. ACT-Wazalendo has long advocated for greater autonomy, arguing that Zanzibar's unique cultural and economic identity is often overshadowed by mainland priorities. In their 2025 vision, they propose renegotiating aspects of the Union to give Zanzibar more control over its resources and policies, a move that could resonate with separatist sentiments simmering in some quarters.

Looking ahead, ACT-Wazalendo's strategy involves building alliances with other opposition groups and civil society organizations to form a united front against CCM. Party officials mentioned ongoing dialogues with figures from across the political spectrum, aiming to create a coalition that transcends traditional divides. This approach draws inspiration from successful opposition movements in other African nations, where unified efforts have led to democratic transitions.

The rally concluded with a call to action, urging supporters to register to vote, participate in community outreach, and remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine the electoral process. Leaders emphasized that 2025 is not just about winning seats but about reclaiming Zanzibar's destiny from what they term a "monopolistic regime." As the islands gear up for what promises to be a contentious election cycle, ACT-Wazalendo's declaration has injected fresh energy into the political discourse, potentially setting the stage for significant upheaval.

In essence, this bold stance by ACT-Wazalendo encapsulates a broader narrative of resistance and renewal in Zanzibar. It reflects the aspirations of a population weary of authoritarian tendencies and eager for inclusive governance. Whether this turning point materializes will depend on factors like voter turnout, international pressure, and the opposition's ability to navigate the challenges ahead. For now, the party's message is clear: 2025 could mark the dawn of a new era in Zanzibar's politics, one defined by democracy, prosperity, and self-determination. (Word count: 912)

Read the Full The Citizen Article at:
[ https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/act-wazalendo-declares-2025-a-turning-point-in-zanzibar-s-politics-5129372 ]