The National Chairman of ACT Wazalendo and former Zanzibar presidential candidate in the October 2025 General Election, Othman Masoud Othman, has revealed that immediately after the election his party entered into political dialogue aimed at achieving a lasting, citizen-centered political settlement in Zanzibar.
Othman said the talks were initiated in response to repeated political crises that have consistently undermined the democratic rights of citizens.
He explained that the discussions have now reached a crucial stage and that the public will soon be officially informed of the outcomes once all parties complete their internal decision-making processes.
Speaking on February 11, 2026, during a meeting with party leaders from Chake Chake and Mkoani districts in South Pemba at the Chambani Constituency Office hall, Othman said the ACT Wazalendo delegation was led by himself together with former party chairman Juma Duni Haji, while the CCM side was led by former Presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein.
He noted that a central area of agreement in the talks was the continued decline of public trust in Zanzibar’s electoral process, a situation that has left many citizens disillusioned and doubtful about the value of participating in elections.
Othman stressed that democracy cannot function when citizens do not believe their votes are protected, adding that restoring confidence in elections is essential for political stability and social cohesion.
Othman further explained that the discussions examined the weaknesses of the 1984 Zanzibar Constitution, which he said no longer reflects the political, social, and democratic realities of modern Zanzibar.
He pointed out that the constitution grants excessive powers to the presidency, weakening accountability and limiting the ability of institutions to serve and protect citizens.
According to him, both sides acknowledged the need for fundamental constitutional reforms to restore balance, strengthen institutions, and safeguard citizens’ rights.
He added that the current electoral system was also identified as a major source of recurring political conflict.
Despite multiple legal amendments over the years, the system has failed to deliver fair and credible elections, leaving citizens to suffer the consequences of repeated disputes and instability.
Othman argued that flawed election administration and restrictive laws, particularly those affecting opposition parties, continue to fuel mistrust and undermine democracy.
Othman said both sides openly discussed concerns about the implementation of political agreements, noting that past failures to honor commitments have eroded public confidence.
To avoid repeating these mistakes, the parties agreed on the need for a clear implementation framework to ensure that any agreements reached result in real and measurable improvements in citizens’ lives.
On the question of whether ACT Wazalendo would join the government, Othman said the party’s position will depend entirely on concrete actions and genuine reforms.
He emphasized that citizens will be informed once meaningful steps are taken, stressing that no future general election in Zanzibar should be conducted without new, written, and mutually agreed rules that guarantee fairness and inclusivity.
He also expressed serious concern over what he described as the continued denial of justice to Zanzibar and its people, citing the failure of the High Court of Zanzibar to hear important cases related to Union matters.
He referred to the dismissal of parliamentary election petitions, saying such decisions do not only affect ACT Wazalendo but deny citizens their constitutional right to justice and legal remedy.
Othman warned that undermining access to justice weakens the rule of law and damages public trust in state institutions.
He called on the Judiciary to reflect on its role and protect its independence, cautioning that political interference compromises the courts, which should remain the final refuge for citizens seeking justice.
In conclusion, Othman urged judicial officers to act with integrity, courage, and professionalism, and to resist political pressure in order to preserve the dignity of the Judiciary and uphold the democratic hopes and rights of the people of Zanzibar.