A senior ACT-Wazalendo official has said political negotiations between the opposition party and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) have been completed, with both sides now expected to announce the outcome before implementation begins.
Speaking on Saturday during ACT-Wazalendo's Tumbatu Constituency General Meeting, National Executive Committee member and former Zanzibar Minister of Health, Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, said the dialogue had reached its conclusion after months of negotiations aimed at resolving Zanzibar's political deadlock.
"The talks have been completed, and at any moment our leaders will issue an official statement," Mazrui told party members.
His remarks provide one of the clearest indications yet that discussions between the two parties may have reached a decisive stage, although neither CCM nor ACT-Wazalendo's top leadership has publicly announced the contents of any agreement.
Mazrui said the focus had now shifted from negotiations to implementation of what the two sides had agreed.
He, however, expressed concern over the time taken to conclude the talks, saying the prolonged process had allowed political uncertainty in Zanzibar to persist.
Mazrui called on Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi to ensure that the agreements reached are implemented in good faith, arguing that doing so would help restore confidence in the reconciliation process.
He urged President Mwinyi to emulate former Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume, whose dialogue with the opposition resulted in constitutional reforms and the formation of the Government of National Unity following the 2010 elections.
"I appeal to President Mwinyi to honour what has already been agreed so that the process can move forward," he said.
Mazrui added that Zanzibaris have a long history of resolving disputes through dialogue and consensus, saying the public deserved to be informed about the outcome of the negotiations after waiting for an extended period.
Beyond the political talks, Mazrui urged ACT-Wazalendo leaders and members in Tumbatu to continue strengthening the party despite the challenges facing the opposition.
He described Tumbatu as a constituency with a long history of political activism and encouraged members to preserve that legacy through unity and commitment.
"Tumbatu has always been respected for its role in advocating change. Let us remain united and protect the legacy left by our elders," he said.
He also called on party leaders to intensify grassroots mobilisation, saying the party should remain focused on its long-term political objectives.
Earlier, Tumbatu Constituency Leadership Committee member Zubeir Bakar Ali said the General Meeting had attained the required quorum, with 117 of the constituency's 165 delegates, equivalent to 70.9 percent, in attendance.
