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Othman promises to complete the democratic dream

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 7:41 GMT by The Citizen
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Othman vows to bring Zanzibar’s democratic dream to fruition

In a stirring rally held in the historic city of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s rising political figure, Othman Hamza, announced an ambitious pledge: to finish the democratic reforms that have long been the cornerstone of the archipelago’s political aspirations. Speaking to a sea‑flooded crowd of supporters, Othman promised that under his leadership the “democratic dream” of Zanzibar’s people would be fully realized— a sentiment that has resonated across the island’s diverse electorate.

A snapshot of the promises

Othman’s key commitments, as outlined in his address, can be grouped into four broad thrusts: political inclusivity, economic revitalisation, judicial reform, and civic engagement. He stressed that Zanzibar’s political landscape must become genuinely representative of all its citizens, irrespective of ethnicity, gender or socioeconomic status. “The democratic dream is not a mere slogan; it is the right of every Zanzibari to have a say in how their future is shaped,” Othman declared.

• Political inclusivity: Othman pledged to overhaul the electoral commission, instituting a transparent voter registration system and independent monitoring of elections. He called for the creation of a “Youth and Women Council” to ensure minority voices are heard in policy discussions.

• Economic revitalisation: The candidate outlined a comprehensive economic package aimed at boosting tourism, fishing, and agribusiness—three pillars that form the backbone of Zanzibar’s economy. “We will provide micro‑loans and technical training to small‑holder farmers and fishers,” he told the audience, highlighting the need to address the unemployment rates that plague the younger generation.

• Judicial reform: Acknowledging concerns over corruption and weak judicial oversight, Othman pledged to establish an anti‑corruption task force, staffed by independent experts. He also promised to streamline the judiciary’s processes, making the courts more accessible to ordinary citizens.

• Civic engagement: Othman urged all Zanzibaris to take an active role in governance. He pledged to set up “Community Dialogue Hubs” in every district, where citizens can discuss policies directly with local officials.

Roots in a turbulent past

Othman’s remarks were not made in a vacuum. Zanzibar’s political history is marked by the 2015 presidential election dispute, which led to violence and a prolonged political crisis. The 2020 elections, however, marked a turning point. The National Electoral Commission’s decision to declare the results after a delay was a critical step toward stability. Othman’s commitment builds on the momentum that followed, promising that democratic institutions will no longer be fragile.

The article on The Citizen, which is part of Tanzania’s national media, contextualises Othman’s pledge within this broader narrative. It links to a previous piece detailing the 2020 elections’ aftermath, illustrating how the archipelago’s political trajectory has evolved. Othman himself has served as a member of Zanzibar’s National Assembly for several terms, representing the rural constituency of Mkulumuzi. His experience in the legislature has given him a deep understanding of the island’s administrative challenges and the urgency of institutional reform.

Responding to skepticism

While Othman’s enthusiasm is palpable, critics caution that promises must be matched by concrete action. An editorial in The Citizen echoes this sentiment, questioning whether Othman can truly disrupt entrenched patronage networks that have historically hindered reforms. “It is one thing to promise transparency; it is another to ensure that the electoral commission remains free from political interference,” the editorial notes.

Othman counters that the reform agenda will be executed in partnership with civil society groups, such as the Zanzibar Youth Forum and the Women’s Development Association. He has also announced an upcoming partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), which will provide technical assistance in refining Zanzibar’s electoral processes.

What the future looks like

According to the data shared in the article, Zanzibar’s population of around 1.4 million is still grappling with issues such as high youth unemployment, inadequate healthcare facilities, and uneven educational opportunities. Othman’s vision includes a new “Health and Education Blueprint,” aimed at increasing the number of public clinics by 30% and expanding STEM curriculum in secondary schools. These promises align with the larger Tanzanian Vision 2025 plan, which prioritises human development indicators.

As Othman’s campaign progresses, several of his promises have already been tested in pilot projects. In the Pemba district, a micro‑credit scheme was launched last year to fund local fishermen’s small‑scale ventures. The initiative has reportedly reduced the average debt burden by 15% among participating households. Meanwhile, the “Youth and Women Council” in Stone Town has convened quarterly meetings, with the latest session focusing on gender‑sensitive budgeting.

Final thoughts

Othman’s commitment to “complete the democratic dream” is more than rhetoric. It is a call to action for a population that has long been eager for genuine representation and transparent governance. The article on The Citizen provides an in‑depth view of how his promises intersect with Zanzibar’s socio‑economic realities and historical struggles. While the path to full democratic consolidation remains fraught with challenges, Othman’s agenda offers a roadmap that, if implemented faithfully, could usher Zanzibar into a new era of inclusive and accountable governance.