ACT-Wazalendo pledges leadership for justice and development

Pemba. Opposition party ACT-Wazalendo chairman and first vice President of Zanzibar, Othman Masoud Othman has reiterated his party’s commitment to transforming the country’s leadership to ensure justice, equality, and sustainable development for all citizens.

Speaking on December 7, during the opening of the ACT-Wazalendo National Women’s Conference at Samail Gombani Hall in South Pemba, Othman declared that ACT-Wazalendo’s ultimate goal is to govern with fairness and efficiency, managing national resources for the collective good.

“Leadership based on justice is the only path to true development,” he stressed, highlighting the party’s focus on policies that empower all citizens, particularly women, to overcome economic challenges.

He pointed out that despite the country’s vast resources, poor leadership has kept many citizens, especially women, trapped in economic hardships.

“The wealth in this country is enough to uplift every citizen, including women, but current leadership policies that neglect justice have hindered progress,” he said.

He called on all citizens to unite for the change that will free the nation from oppressive governance and ensure that development benefits everyone, not just the few in power.

Othman criticised the current government’s focus on spending over 60 percent of national income on salaries, without investing in policies that foster true economic growth and social development.

“This spending pattern shows that the leadership is not focused on long-term solutions to poverty,” he stated.

He emphasized that ACT-Wazalendo is not focused on power for the sake of titles, but rather on governance that is rooted in justice and civility.

“Our development agenda will serve the interests of all Tanzanians, not just our members,” he said, stressing that ACT-Wazalendo is the only viable alternative for the nation.

As part of the build-up to the 2025 general elections, Othman also encouraged Tanzanians to take part in the final phase of the voter registration process, which will be completed by February next year.

He underscored the importance of citizens taking control of the future by actively participating in shaping the country’s leadership.

Deputy Secretary-General of ACT-Wazalendo Zanzibar, Omar Ali Shehe, and Acting Party Coordinator in Pemba, Rashid Ali Abdallah, also voiced their support for the party’s vision, describing 2025 as the perfect opportunity for citizens to assert their power by electing leaders who prioritize dignity and equality for all.

During the conference, the Chairperson of the ACT-Wazalendo Women’s Wing, Janeth Joel Rite, called attention to the challenges women face under the current government and urged them to unite and use their numbers to push for political change.

“We must stand together to remove the ruling party, CCM, and work towards a better future for all Tanzanians,” she said.

The conference, themed ‘Women and Victory 2025’, included important discussions on ‘The Brave Woman’ and ‘Women and Leadership’ and was attended by political leaders, human rights activists, and representatives from the Chadema Women’s Council. It featured cultural performances, including poetry and traditional dances, before concluding with Othman presenting special recognition awards to the courageous women of ACT-Wazalendo.

The event, which showcased the growing momentum of ACT-Wazalendo’s national campaign, highlighted the party’s commitment to building a future where justice, fairness, and development are at the heart of Tanzanian governance.