ACT Wazalendo has concluded an emergency Central Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam, where it reviewed the country’s political situation and the findings of the Chande Commission report on the October 2025 events that resulted in the loss of civilian lives.
The meeting, held on 3 May 2026 at the party headquarters, brought together senior leaders who assessed what they described as a critical moment for Tanzania’s democratic governance, justice system, and constitutional order.
After detailed deliberations, the party reaffirmed its position rejecting the Commission of Inquiry led by Justice Chande and its report, arguing that it fails to deliver justice, accountability, and transparency for the events of October 2025.
ACT Wazalendo stated that the Commission was expected to uncover the truth and recommend clear accountability measures, but instead, it has raised more questions than answers.
The party expressed concern that even the Commission’s own disputed figures, suggesting over 518 deaths, were not followed by clear recommendations for responsibility within security institutions.
The party further argued that the report shifts attention away from structural causes of the crisis and instead places blame on citizens, describing their grievances as pre-planned unrest rather than legitimate political concerns.
According to ACT Wazalendo, the root cause of the crisis lies in what it describes as deep electoral injustices during the 2025 General Election.
The party cited the disqualification of its presidential candidate, Luhaga Joelson Mpina, and what it claims was a failure by the courts to address electoral disputes in a timely and fair manner.
The Central Committee also criticised the Commission for failing to identify those directly responsible for the alleged killings and instead recommending the formation of another investigative body. The party argued that this approach delays justice and undermines public trust.
It also raised concerns about the composition of the Commission, stating that some members previously held senior positions in institutions linked to the security system, which it believes compromises impartiality.
Following its assessment, ACT Wazalendo proposed a series of urgent national reforms aimed at preventing future crises and restoring public confidence in governance institutions.
Among the immediate measures proposed, the party called for an independent international investigation under the United Nations, African Union, or SADC framework, with full protection of witnesses to ensure transparency and accountability.
It also demanded the release of all individuals detained on politically related charges, including opposition leaders, and called for a comprehensive national assistance programme for victims.
This programme, according to the party, should include medical care, psychological support, financial compensation, and legal assistance.
ACT Wazalendo further called for accountability for senior officials in key institutions it believes are responsible for failures that led to the crisis.
This includes leadership in intelligence, police, electoral management, and political regulatory bodies, as well as regional and district leaders in areas where incidents of violence were reported.
The party also proposed the immediate launch of a national constitutional reform process. It recommended updating existing constitutional review and referendum laws to accelerate reforms and ensure inclusiveness.
It further called for a national sovereign dialogue bringing together all stakeholders to resolve long-standing constitutional issues, including governance structure and Union-related matters.
In addition, it proposed the formation of an independent committee of experts to draft a new constitution, followed by a national referendum to allow citizens to decide its adoption.
For medium-term reforms, ACT Wazalendo recommended removing political influence from security institutions, including intelligence and police services, to ensure neutrality and professionalism in their operations.
The party also called for the dissolution of the current National Electoral Commission and the establishment of a new independent body through a revised electoral law that guarantees transparency, fairness, and public confidence.
It further urged the implementation of recommendations from past reform commissions, including transforming the police into a service-oriented institution focused on protecting citizens rather than enforcing political interests.
The party also called for the repeal of restrictive political laws and the introduction of a new legal framework that guarantees full political freedoms.
Additionally, it recommended reviewing and repealing outdated and restrictive laws identified by previous reform commissions, including those led by Justice Francis Nyalali.
In the long term, ACT Wazalendo called for a full restructuring of the public service system to ensure professionalism, accountability, and independence from political interference.
The party concluded that Tanzania stands at a defining moment, where the nation must choose between a path of justice, accountability, and democratic reform, or continued mistrust and institutional weaknesses.
It reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful political engagement, constitutional reforms, and national unity, stressing that the lives lost in October 2025, as well as those still missing, demand urgent national reflection and meaningful reforms to prevent future tragedies.
