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

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

In a bold and defiant move, the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo has proclaimed the year 2025 as a pivotal turning point in Zanzibar's political landscape, signaling their intent to challenge the long-standing dominance of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party. This declaration comes amid growing tensions and preparations for the upcoming general elections, where ACT-Wazalendo aims to mobilize widespread support to usher in what they describe as a new era of democratic governance, transparency, and economic reform in the semi-autonomous archipelago.

The announcement was made during a high-profile party rally held in Unguja, Zanzibar's main island, where thousands of supporters gathered to hear from key party figures. ACT-Wazalendo's leader, Seif Shariff Hamad, who has been a prominent voice in Zanzibari opposition politics for decades, took center stage to outline the party's vision. Hamad, often referred to as Maalim Seif, emphasized that 2025 represents not just an election year but a historic opportunity to break free from what he termed the "chains of authoritarian rule" that have plagued Zanzibar since the 1964 revolution. "We are on the cusp of change," Hamad declared to the cheering crowd. "The people of Zanzibar have suffered long enough under mismanagement, corruption, and suppression of voices. 2025 will be the year we reclaim our destiny."

This rhetoric is rooted in Zanzibar's complex political history, where elections have frequently been marred by allegations of rigging, violence, and irregularities. ACT-Wazalendo, which translates to "Alliance for Change and Transparency – Patriots," emerged as a significant force in the 2010s, building on the legacy of the Civic United Front (CUF), from which it splintered. The party has positioned itself as a champion of Zanzibari autonomy, advocating for greater control over resources, improved healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for the islands' residents. In recent years, they have gained traction by highlighting issues such as youth unemployment, the impact of tourism on local communities, and the unequal distribution of revenues from Zanzibar's lucrative spice and tourism industries.

During the rally, party officials detailed their strategy for the 2025 elections. ACT-Wazalendo plans to field candidates across all constituencies in Zanzibar, including for the presidency, House of Representatives, and local councils. A key element of their campaign is a grassroots mobilization effort, targeting young voters and women, who they believe hold the key to electoral success. "We are building a movement from the ground up," said Zitto Kabwe, a prominent ACT-Wazalendo parliamentarian and vocal critic of the government. Kabwe, known for his economic expertise, pointed to data showing that Zanzibar's GDP growth has not translated into improved living standards for the average citizen. "While the elite in Stone Town and beyond enjoy the fruits of our islands' wealth, ordinary Zanzibaris struggle with poverty and lack of services. Our manifesto will address this imbalance head-on."

The party's declaration has not gone without criticism from the ruling CCM, which has governed Zanzibar since independence and maintains a firm grip through its union with mainland Tanzania. CCM spokespersons have dismissed ACT-Wazalendo's claims as mere electioneering, accusing the opposition of stirring unrest and undermining national unity. In response, ACT-Wazalendo leaders have accused the government of using state machinery to intimidate opponents, including arbitrary arrests and restrictions on assembly. This echoes past elections, such as those in 2020, where international observers reported widespread irregularities, leading to boycotts and protests.

To understand the significance of 2025 as a "turning point," one must delve into Zanzibar's political evolution. The islands, comprising Unguja and Pemba, have a distinct identity shaped by their Arab, African, and Indian influences, and a history of seeking greater self-determination within the United Republic of Tanzania. The 2010 power-sharing agreement between CCM and CUF (ACT-Wazalendo's predecessor) briefly promised stability, but it unraveled amid accusations of betrayal. ACT-Wazalendo's rise has been fueled by discontent in Pemba, traditionally an opposition stronghold, where residents feel marginalized by the Unguja-centric administration.

Hamad elaborated on the party's policy priorities, which include reforming the electoral system to ensure fairness, investing in sustainable tourism that benefits locals, and addressing climate change impacts on the islands' vulnerable coastlines. "Zanzibar is at a crossroads," he said. "We can continue down the path of stagnation, or we can choose progress. ACT-Wazalendo is committed to fighting for free and fair elections, where every vote counts and every voice is heard." The party has also called for international monitoring of the 2025 polls, urging bodies like the African Union and the Commonwealth to oversee the process to prevent fraud.

Supporters at the rally expressed optimism, with many waving party flags and chanting slogans like "Haki kwa Wote" (Justice for All). A young attendee, Aisha Mohamed, a university student from Pemba, shared her hopes: "For too long, we've been promised change but seen none. ACT-Wazalendo represents real hope for jobs, education, and equality." This sentiment is echoed in recent polls, which suggest growing dissatisfaction with CCM's handling of economic issues, exacerbated by the global pandemic and inflation.

However, challenges abound for ACT-Wazalendo. The party must navigate Tanzania's broader political environment under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has introduced some reforms but faces pressure from hardliners within CCM. In Zanzibar, the current president, Hussein Mwinyi, has focused on infrastructure projects, but critics argue these are superficial and fail to address systemic inequalities. ACT-Wazalendo's strategy includes forming alliances with other opposition groups, both in Zanzibar and on the mainland, to amplify their message.

Analysts view this declaration as a calculated escalation, aiming to energize the base and attract undecided voters. Dr. Fatma Karume, a political scientist at the University of Dar es Salaam, noted that "2025 could indeed be transformative if ACT-Wazalendo sustains momentum and avoids internal divisions. Zanzibar's politics have always been volatile, but with rising youth activism and social media's role, the opposition has tools they lacked before."

The party's emphasis on transparency extends to their internal operations, with promises of merit-based candidate selection and anti-corruption measures. They have launched a digital campaign platform to engage diaspora Zanzibaris, who remit significant funds and could influence family voting patterns back home.

As the countdown to 2025 begins, ACT-Wazalendo's proclamation sets the stage for what could be one of Zanzibar's most contested elections. Whether it truly becomes a turning point depends on factors like voter turnout, government response, and external oversight. For now, the opposition's message resonates with those yearning for change, potentially reshaping the archipelago's future.

In the broader Tanzanian context, this development underscores the evolving dynamics of opposition politics. While mainland Tanzania has seen shifts under President Hassan, Zanzibar remains a flashpoint for autonomy debates. ACT-Wazalendo's leaders are acutely aware of this, framing their struggle as part of a national push for democracy. "Zanzibar's liberation will inspire the whole union," Hamad asserted, linking local grievances to wider calls for reform.

The rally concluded with cultural performances and pledges of unity, but underlying tensions hint at a bumpy road ahead. Reports of increased security presence in opposition areas suggest the government is preparing for potential confrontations. Yet, ACT-Wazalendo remains undeterred, viewing 2025 as their moment to rewrite history.

This extensive mobilization effort highlights the party's evolution from a regional player to a formidable force. By addressing bread-and-butter issues like affordable housing, healthcare access, and agricultural support for clove farmers—Zanzibar's economic backbone—ACT-Wazalendo is crafting a narrative that appeals beyond traditional strongholds.

Critics within the party, however, warn against overconfidence, recalling past electoral disappointments. To counter this, training programs for party agents and legal teams are underway to monitor polling stations and challenge any discrepancies.

Ultimately, ACT-Wazalendo's declaration is more than rhetoric; it's a call to action for Zanzibaris to envision a different future. As the islands grapple with modernization pressures and identity preservation, the 2025 elections could indeed mark a watershed, determining whether Zanzibar charts a path toward inclusive governance or entrenches the status quo. The world will be watching as this tropical archipelago becomes a battleground for democratic aspirations. (Word count: 1,048)

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 ]