By Alfred Zacharia
Dorothy Jonas Semu, an ACT Wazalendo Party Leader and senior member, has officially asked her party to nominate her as its presidential candidate for the 2025 General Election.
In a passionate and carefully worded address delivered in Dar es Salaam, Ms. Semu said her bid is driven by the urgent need for leadership change, inclusive economic growth, and the restoration of true democracy in Tanzania.
“On January 16, I publicly declared my intention to run for the presidency. Today, I return to tell you why I am asking for the approval of my party to contest for the highest office in the land,” she said, addressing party members, journalists, and Tanzanians who tuned in across the country.
According to Ms. Semu, her candidacy is guided by three main reasons: the leadership vacuum in the country, the unique role ACT Wazalendo plays in shaping alternative policies, and the failure of the ruling party CCM to lift millions of Tanzanians out of poverty.
She expressed strong confidence in her ability to challenge President Samia Suluhu Hassan in the upcoming election.
“We are facing a serious leadership crisis. Our country is 63 years old since independence, but we are still among the 15 poorest nations in the world. Nearly a quarter of our people live in extreme poverty. This must change,” she said.
She believes ACT Wazalendo is best positioned to bring meaningful reform, especially in reducing poverty and strengthening political accountability.
“I want to lead the vision of ACT Wazalendo and turn it into real and positive economic, social, and cultural transformation,” she explained.
Ms. Semu said that if nominated by her party and elected by Tanzanians, she will prioritize building an inclusive, strong, and growing economy.
“This country belongs to young people. Over 70 percent of our population is under the age of 35. My administration will put youth and women at the heart of development,” she said.
She pledged to create decent jobs and invest in sectors that employ the majority of Tanzanians — agriculture, livestock, and fishing — as well as improve the informal sector where many young people and women earn a living.
To support entrepreneurship and job creation, she promised to simplify business regulations, improve access to capital, and reform tax systems.
“We will make it easier to start and grow a business, especially for the over 23 million young Tanzanians who are currently unemployed or underemployed,” she noted.
She also committed to improving social services and strengthening social security.
“Every Tanzanian must have access to health insurance, and everyone should receive a pension when they retire or become unable to work. That’s how we build a caring and inclusive nation,” she said.
Touching on the sensitive issue of national resources, Ms. Semu called for a law that ensures full public participation and consent before any project begins in areas rich in natural resources.
“People living in areas with natural wealth must give full, informed consent before any project starts. These resources belong to all of us, today and for future generations,” she emphasized.
Ms. Semu criticized the ruling party CCM for mismanaging public funds and allowing corruption to thrive.
“For the past four years, I have been reviewing the Auditor General’s reports. What I see is worrying, public money is wasted, projects are abandoned, and ordinary citizens suffer while government elites benefit,” she said.
She vowed to fight corruption, laziness, and misuse of public resources without fear or favoritism.
“We are tired of public money benefiting a few people in power. We are tired of stalled projects while the national debt keeps rising. And we are tired of excuses for unpaid salaries while leaders enjoy luxuries,” she declared.
Democracy and justice also featured prominently in her speech. Ms. Semu said Tanzania must return to real democracy where elections are fair and every vote counts.
“Without free and fair elections, there can be no real development. We must restore true democracy in our country,” she said.
Requesting support from Tanzanians and party members, she concluded with a strong call for unity and courage.
“Let us stand together. Let us fight for our future. ACT Wazalendo is leading this mission — but we need every voice, every hand, every heart of change-loving Tanzanians. Together, we will protect democracy and build the Tanzania we all dream of — a nation of justice, equality, and progress,” she said.
Dorothy Semu’s announcement marks a critical moment for ACT Wazalendo as the party prepares for the 2025 general election. Whether she secures the nomination or not, her speech has already sparked national conversation on leadership, governance, and the future direction of Tanzania.
