Growing frustration over unemployment, rising costs of living, and corruption scandals is shaping the political atmosphere in Zanzibar ahead of the October 29 general election, with opposition party ACT Wazalendo seeking to position itself as a vehicle for change.
On Sunday, thousands of supporters gathered at Mpapa grounds in Central District for a campaign rally headlined by ACT Wazalendo presidential candidate Othman Masoud Othman.
The mood at the rally reflected the grievances of many citizens who say promises of jobs and improved livelihoods have not been fulfilled despite six decades since the Revolution.
“We are tired of empty promises. Our youth have no jobs, and poverty is everywhere. We see Othman Masoud as new hope that will bring justice and progress,” said Asha Suleiman, a resident of Bungi.
Campaign manager Ismail Jussa raised fresh concerns about governance, alleging irregularities in a Sh17 billion government deal to procure 150 vehicles in 2023.
He claimed the cars were not new, that their costs were inflated, and that value-added tax was unlawfully applied, with proceeds channeled to benefit a small group of individuals.
“This is shocking corruption engineered by a handful of leaders for their own interests while ordinary citizens continue to suffer,” he told the crowd.
Jussa also criticised the government’s record on employment, saying a pledge to create 350,000 jobs had not materialised.
Workers, he said, had received a salary increase of only Sh50,000 over five years while being required to pay TZS80,000 monthly in health insurance deductions.
Supporters at the rally echoed these frustrations.“For years the government has been deceiving us with job pledges. We want real change, and that is why we are here to support ACT Wazalendo,” said Hamad Ali, a 26-year-old from Central District.
Retired civil servant Abdalla Hassan from Jendele reflected: “After the Revolution, we believed life would be better, but things remain the same. This is our chance to reclaim Zanzibar and restore the people’s dignity.”
Mr Masoud, in his address, called the election a defining moment for Zanzibar. “Our people were promised better health, quality education, and decent livelihoods, yet poverty and frustration remain the reality,” he said.
He added that while he had served in government, he had never been implicated in corruption, and his disagreements with the ruling establishment stemmed from his determination to defend Zanzibar’s autonomy.
“No one will liberate Zanzibar except its people, and the power lies in your vote,” he emphasised.
The turnout at Mpapa demonstrated strong support for ACT Wazalendo, underscoring how dissatisfaction with governance, jobs, and services is fuelling calls for change as the Isles approach a critical election day.
