Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and ACT Wazalendo have agreed to pursue a comprehensive political reconciliation process aimed at addressing Zanzibar's recurring post-election disputes and strengthening democratic governance, in a move the two parties describe as a foundation for lasting peace and stability.
The commitment is contained in a joint declaration issued after months of negotiations that followed disagreements over the October 29, 2025 General Election, despite the polls being widely credited with maintaining peace and public order.
The declaration acknowledges that nearly every election held in Zanzibar since the restoration of multiparty politics in 1992 has been accompanied by political tensions, disputes and their social, economic and institutional consequences, underscoring the need for a more durable political settlement.
The two parties said disagreements arising from the 2025 election complicated the formation of Zanzibar's Government of National Unity, a constitutional arrangement that requires the participation of both CCM and ACT Wazalendo.
The reconciliation process was initiated following the intervention of former Zanzibar presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, who encouraged the parties to engage in dialogue and jointly supervised the negotiations.
Between November 2025 and May 2026, the parties held nine leadership meetings and two sessions of a joint technical committee, which they said helped narrow differences, establish common principles and develop an agreed agenda for future reforms.
The final meetings of the first phase were held at the State House in Zanzibar and brought together President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, ACT Wazalendo national chairperson Othman Masoud Othman, former ACT Wazalendo national chairperson Juma Duni Haji and the two former presidents.
According to the declaration, the release of the joint statement marks the beginning of the second phase of the reconciliation process, which will focus on implementing an agreed roadmap through further negotiations and institutional reforms.
Under the agreement, CCM and ACT Wazalendo pledged to work together to strengthen national unity, political trust and social cohesion while safeguarding Zanzibar's long-term peace and stability.
The parties also committed themselves to restoring confidence among citizens, investors and the business community by promoting democratic institutions, good governance, accountability and the rule of law.
They said future reforms would seek to reinforce the credibility of public institutions through free, fair and transparent elections, an effective justice system and stronger democratic oversight.
Recognising that political reforms require broad public ownership, the two parties agreed that the process would be inclusive, involving citizens, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders wherever necessary.
They further pledged that the dialogue would be guided by the principles of truth, sincerity and integrity, with Zanzibar's national interest taking precedence over party, group or individual interests.
The declaration provides for the establishment of a joint committee to develop recommendations on the framework, procedures and scope of implementation.
Its recommendations will pave the way for the creation of a statutory institution tasked with coordinating and overseeing implementation of the agreed reforms.
The parties said implementation of the agreed measures would begin immediately following publication of the declaration.
In a joint appeal, CCM and ACT Wazalendo called on all Zanzibaris to support the reconciliation process, describing it as an opportunity to turn the page on decades of electoral tensions and build a more stable, democratic and prosperous future for Zanzibar while advancing the broader interests of the United Republic of Tanzania.
