ACT Wazalendo has raised concerns over the arrest of its Kiwani Constituency Secretary, Saleh Ali Masoud, warning that the move could undermine the fairness of upcoming elections in Zanzibar.
Masoud was reportedly taken into custody late at night and is being held at Madungu Police Station in South Pemba.
The opposition party claims his arrest is politically motivated, aimed at preventing their candidate from submitting nomination papers to the Zanzibar Electoral Commission.
“The arrest of our constituency secretary, who oversees the nomination process, appears to be a deliberate attempt to block our candidate. This is unacceptable and undermines democratic processes,” ACT Wazalendo said in a statement.
The party has demanded Masoud’s immediate release and cautioned against the use of the police for political purposes, warning that such actions could spark unnecessary tension.
Political observers say the incident highlights growing concerns over the impartiality of state institutions ahead of Zanzibar’s elections.
Opposition parties continue to call for neutrality and transparency to ensure a credible and peaceful electoral process.
ACT Wazalendo also urged authorities to stop intimidation and harassment of its leaders and members, stressing that the party will not tolerate politically motivated arrests or fabricated charges.