ACT Wazalendo National Chairman Othman Masoud Othman has called for a stronger Zanzibar House of Representatives, saying effective parliamentary oversight is critical to improving governance, protecting public resources and delivering meaningful development to citizens.
Mr Othman, who is also a former First Vice President of the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government, said Zanzibar could not achieve sustainable development without a legislature capable of effectively scrutinising government decisions and holding public officials accountable.
He made the remarks on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in Dunga, Central District, Unguja, during a tour aimed at engaging residents on the future of political agreements and reconciliation in Zanzibar.
He said an effective House would make government officials more cautious in managing public resources and carrying out their responsibilities.
“Leaders will fear engaging in misuse of public resources or corruption if they know there is a House that can question them at any time,” Mr Othman said.
He said stronger parliamentary scrutiny would also help reduce corruption by ensuring that government officials explain their decisions and remain accountable for the way public funds and other resources are managed.
Mr Othman further said that if ACT Wazalendo came to power, the party had capable leaders who could work with a strong House of Representatives to improve governance and deliver development based on citizens’ priorities.
He said the focus should be on building institutions that work for the public, rather than allowing political differences to undermine accountability and development.
ACT Wazalendo Zanzibar Deputy Chairman Ismail Jussa said the party had a leadership team committed to building a Zanzibar founded on good governance, justice and ethical leadership.
Former ACT Wazalendo chairman Juma Duni Haji, popularly known as ‘Babu’ Duni, called for the implementation of the recently reached political agreement and reconciliation process in good faith.
He said the agreement could benefit Zanzibaris regardless of their political affiliation if it was implemented sincerely and given the necessary political weight.
Mr Duni said successful implementation could contribute to improved living conditions and better access to essential services, particularly education and healthcare.
“Conflict is a thing of the past. Let us sit together. We do not want trouble anymore; enough is enough. Let us implement what we agreed on for the interests and benefit of our country,” he said.
Earlier, ACT Wazalendo Zanzibar Deputy Secretary-General Omar Ali Shehe urged residents of Central District to support the political agreement, saying it could help break the political impasse in the islands.
He said citizens had an important role to play in supporting efforts aimed at strengthening political stability and ensuring that leaders remained focused on Zanzibar’s interests.
Mr Othman was accompanied by several ACT Wazalendo leaders during the tour, including National Information and Publicity Secretary Salim Biman, leader of the party’s delegation in the Zanzibar House of Representatives Prof Omar Fakih Hamad, Deputy Chairman of the Elders’ Wing Masoud Khamis and Board of Trustees member Muhammed Khamis.