ACT Wazalendo has dismissed suggestions that its signing of a Joint Declaration with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) signals its entry into Zanzibar's Government of National Unity (GNU), saying the agreement instead marks the start of implementing political reforms negotiated over the past eight months.
In a statement issued on Friday, the opposition party said the declaration, signed on July 9, concludes the first phase of political reconciliation talks launched after the political deadlock that followed the October 2025 General Election.
The party maintained that its position on the GNU remains unchanged, arguing that participation in the coalition government has never been an objective in itself.
"ACT Wazalendo has never sought to join the Government of National Unity for the purpose of sharing power or public offices," the party said, adding that its focus has been securing reforms capable of restoring public confidence in Zanzibar's democratic institutions.
According to the party, the GNU established under Zanzibar's 2010 Constitution was designed to foster reconciliation, protect citizens' right to freely elect their leaders, eliminate political discrimination and safeguard long-term peace and stability.
ACT Wazalendo said the reconciliation process, facilitated by former Zanzibar presidents Dr Amani Abeid Karume and Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, concentrated on addressing the structural causes of recurring political disputes rather than negotiating political appointments.
The party said discussions prioritised institutional and legal reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance, protecting fundamental rights and preventing future electoral crises.
It revealed that by May 2026, both negotiating parties had reached consensus on key reform proposals and agreed that the next stage would involve establishing the legal and institutional mechanisms required to implement the agreed agenda.
The party stressed that its decision to participate in the implementation process should not be interpreted as joining the Government of National Unity.
"The signing of the Joint Declaration does not mean ACT Wazalendo has entered government. It marks the conclusion of negotiations and the formal beginning of implementing the agreements reached by both parties," the statement said.
It added that the question of participating in the Government of National Unity would only arise if implementation of the agreed reforms eventually required it under the legal framework agreed by both sides.
Calling for broad support for the reconciliation process, ACT Wazalendo said the success of the initiative would depend on the commitment of all stakeholders to faithfully implement the agreed reforms rather than the signing of the declaration alone.
The party also sought to distinguish the Zanzibar reconciliation process from its position on mainland Tanzania, saying the agreement does not alter its assessment of events surrounding the October 2025 General Election on the mainland.
It reiterated its call for an independent and credible commission, with international participation, to investigate alleged human rights violations linked to the election, establish the truth, ensure accountability and recommend reforms to prevent future abuses.
The party argued that sustainable national reconciliation requires truth, justice and accountability, describing the three principles as essential foundations for rebuilding public trust.
ACT Wazalendo further said it will continue advocating for a broader national dialogue on Tanzania's political future, noting that its national chairman has already begun consultations with various stakeholders to build consensus on democratic reforms and national healing.
The statement concluded that while the Zanzibar Joint Declaration represents an important milestone in the reconciliation process, its success will ultimately be measured by the implementation of the agreed reforms and their ability to strengthen democratic governance and political stability in Zanzibar.
