As ACT Wazalendo marks its 11th anniversary since its establishment in 2014, the party has used the moment to highlight both its achievements and its persistent demands for electoral reform ahead of the 2025 General Election.
Speaking at the celebration held in Dar es Salaam on May 5, 2025, party leader Dorothy Semu underscored that ACT Wazalendo is proud of the political identity it has built over the years—grounded in issue-based politics and an inclusive platform for youth, women, and marginalized voices.
However, she also stressed the need for free and fair elections, calling for electoral directors to be excluded from supervising elections, for candidates not to be arbitrarily disqualified, and for state institutions to refrain from interfering in the electoral process.
“Our demands are clear,” said Dorothy. “We want a democratic environment where every vote counts and no illegal practices compromise the will of the people. The government must listen to the growing public outcry for justice and accountability.”
Among the ten key achievements ACT Wazalendo celebrates is its reputation for policy-driven politics, distancing itself from what the party describes as “drama and sycophancy” in the political sphere.
According to Dorothy, the party has provided a credible alternative for politicians dissatisfied with internal democracy in their former parties.
The most notable example cited was the 2019 defection of the late Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad and his allies from CUF, which significantly strengthened ACT’s presence in Zanzibar.
Youth inclusion was also highlighted as a success story. Dorothy stated that ACT Wazalendo has become a trusted platform for young people to showcase leadership potential.
She pointed to the party's gender equality policies, saying, “We have dismantled traditional barriers to women's political participation. Our leadership structure reflects a commitment to equal representation.”
Another pillar of ACT’s celebration was its role in advocating for Zanzibar’s autonomy and the broader struggle for national justice. Dorothy emphasized the party's vision of a unified Zanzibar within a just union, stressing that ACT continues to push for equitable distribution of national resources to liberate Tanzanians from poverty.
“We have been a voice of hope. From championing citizens’ rights to building institutions of integrity, ACT Wazalendo has consistently stood with the people,” she added.
The party also lauded its internal democracy, particularly its adherence to a 10-year leadership term limit, which it views as a model for other political parties in the country.
Yet, political analysts offer a more measured perspective on ACT Wazalendo’s progress. Dr. Revocatus Kabobe, a political science expert, acknowledged the party’s visibility in Zanzibar but noted its limited influence on the Tanzanian mainland.
“The party still lacks the strength to challenge CCM or even CHADEMA on the mainland. It has a long journey ahead to gain national traction,” he remarked.
Similarly, political commentator and educator Samson Sombi argued that ACT’s policy proposals have yet to gain wide acceptance.
“In these 11 years, the party needs to intensify its outreach and convince more Tanzanians to embrace its agenda if it aims to form a government in the future,” he commented.
Meanwhile, ACT Wazalendo Vice Chairperson Isihaka Mchinjita criticized the overall democratic environment in Tanzania, claiming that political parties continue to operate under repressive conditions.
He accused successive governments from the era of the late President Ali Hassan Mwinyi to the current sixth-phase administration of making empty promises regarding political reform.
As the country heads toward the 2025 General Election, ACT Wazalendo has made it clear that its focus is twofold: celebrating the foundations it has laid and pressing for an electoral process free from manipulation, exclusion, and state overreach.
