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

In a bold statement that has set the stage for the coming decade, the opposition party Act Wazalendo declared that the year 2025 will be a pivotal moment for Zanzibar’s political future. The announcement, made during a rally in Zanzibar City, framed the 2025 presidential and parliamentary elections as a chance for the archipelago’s citizens to usher in a new era of governance, transparency, and economic revitalisation.

A Brief Overview of Act Wazalendo

Formed in 2019 by a coalition of former UAZ (Alliance for Change and Transparency) members and grassroots activists, Act Wazalendo has quickly risen to prominence as a serious challenger to the long‑dominated ruling party in Zanzibar. Its founding principles centre on anti‑corruption, inclusive development, and strengthening democratic institutions. The party’s leadership, headed by President Dr. Mcham M. M. (whose exact name is occasionally stylised as “Mcham” in media outlets), has been vocal about the need for a clear break from the status quo that has characterised Zanzibar’s politics for decades.

The 2025 Elections: A “Turning Point”

During the rally, Dr. Mcham emphasised that 2025 represents “a historical juncture” for the island. “The people of Zanzibar have endured a political system that has repeatedly ignored their aspirations,” he said. “In 2025, the electorate will finally have the opportunity to decide on a new direction for our future.”

The party’s call for a “turning point” is backed by a comprehensive platform that addresses key concerns:

Issue	Act Wazalendo’s Proposal
Economic Growth	Implementation of a “Zanzibar Growth Initiative” targeting tourism, agriculture, and small‑enterprise development, with a particular focus on youth employment.
Governance Reform	Introduction of stronger checks and balances, including an independent electoral commission and a constitutional review process to reduce executive overreach.
Social Services	Expansion of free healthcare and education up to secondary level, coupled with a nationwide anti‑corruption task force.
Regional Integration	Enhanced cooperation with mainland Tanzania, especially in trade facilitation and infrastructure connectivity.

Act Wazalendo’s manifesto, released at the same event, promises to bring about a “transparent, accountable, and inclusive government” that will be measured by the satisfaction of ordinary Zanzibaris rather than political elites.

Coalition Building and Opposition Unity

A key component of the party’s strategy for 2025 is forming an “Opposition Alliance” that brings together smaller parties, civil‑society groups, and influential community leaders. The objective is to present a united front that can offer a viable alternative to the ruling party’s candidate.

In a press release that followed the rally, Act Wazalendo confirmed talks with the MDA (Movement for Development and Unity) and the NCD (National Congress for Development) to establish a formal coalition. While the parties differ on some policy specifics, they share a common goal: to restore democratic integrity and deliver tangible benefits to the people of Zanzibar.

Criticism and Challenges

Act Wazalendo has not been immune to criticism. Some analysts point out that the party’s leadership has faced accusations of ties to former exiled politicians, which could undermine its claim to represent the “new generation.” Others argue that the party’s rapid rise is a product of a strategic media campaign rather than genuine grassroots support.

Despite these concerns, Dr. Mcham remains optimistic. “Critics will try to paint us as outsiders, but our message is grounded in the daily realities of Zanzibaris,” he asserted. “We are not a party that will simply replace one set of leaders with another; we will introduce a fresh, accountable governance model.”

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, Act Wazalendo is focused on building a strong campaign infrastructure ahead of the 2025 elections. The party is investing in training local volunteers, developing a robust digital outreach strategy, and engaging with youth organisations to harness the energy of a demographic that has been largely disenfranchised in past elections.

The “turning point” rhetoric has resonated with many young voters, particularly those in the urban centres who are eager for political change. According to preliminary polling by a local research institute, Act Wazalendo’s support among the 18‑ to 35‑year‑old demographic has risen by 12% since the party’s formation.

What This Means for Zanzibar

If Act Wazalendo succeeds in its ambitions, the political landscape of Zanzibar could undergo a transformation akin to the constitutional reforms of the early 2000s. A successful coalition in the 2025 elections would mean a significant shift in power dynamics, potentially leading to:

Greater Accountability: More robust oversight of public officials and a reduction in patronage politics.
Economic Diversification: New policies aimed at reducing reliance on tourism and encouraging local industry.
Democratic Deepening: Improved electoral processes and stronger protection of civil liberties.

Conversely, if the ruling party manages to retain control, the “turning point” narrative may be dismissed as a hopeful but ultimately unsuccessful challenge.

Conclusion

Act Wazalendo’s declaration of 2025 as a turning point has injected fresh energy into Zanzibar’s political discourse. By framing the upcoming elections as a definitive choice for the archipelago’s future, the party has rallied a growing base of support, especially among the youth. Whether the party’s ambitions will materialise remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the stage is set, the players are positioned, and the people of Zanzibar are watching closely as the island’s political destiny hangs in the balance.

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 ]