ACT Wazalendo national chairman Othman Masoud Othman has called on party members to strengthen its structures from the branch level to the national leadership, saying a strong organisation is essential to advancing its political agenda.
Mr Othman, who is also Zanzibar’s First Vice President, made the remarks on September 27, 2026, when he opened the ACT Wazalendo Council of Elders at Masipa Pandani.
His remarks came days after he was sworn in as First Vice President, following the restoration of ACT Wazalendo’s participation in Zanzibar’s Government of National Unity (GNU). The party’s return to the power-sharing government followed a reconciliation process with the ruling CCM.
Mr Othman said party members needed to build strong structures at every level, comparing the organisation to a vehicle that must be in good condition if it is to reach its intended destination.
“We must make our party strong from the branches to the national level so that it becomes easier to attain full authority over our country,” he said.
He said the political aspirations of some Zanzibaris for greater authority over their affairs existed long before the reintroduction of multiparty politics, with various people participating in political movements over the years.
Mr Othman cited ACT Wazalendo Zanzibar Vice Chairman Ismail Jussa as one of those who became involved in the political struggle at a young age.
“For example, my deputy, Ismail Jussa, joined these struggles when he was 17 because he had the desire to see his country liberated. Young people should also stand up for their country,” he said.
Mr Othman also referred to the 1995 multiparty elections, saying the political developments of that period reflected longstanding political aspirations among Zanzibaris.
He challenged young people to engage in efforts to pursue political reforms and strengthen governance and equality.
“What is stopping a young Zanzibari today, in 2026, from understanding that Zanzibar needs reforms? Why have young people not risen to demand reforms?” he asked.
Mr Othman said the party’s push for change was also linked to challenges affecting citizens’ access to basic services and public documents.
He cited difficulties some residents allegedly face when seeking Zanzibar identification cards and employment opportunities, saying government services should be provided without discrimination.
“Today, you want a residency identification card and the Sheha denies you, or you seek employment and they have to look at who your father is. This cannot happen. The government is the father of all people and must provide equal services to all citizens,” he said.
He said the party opposed the use of force in the pursuit of political power and instead advocated what he described as a peaceful and orderly approach to political change.
“In the struggle for rights, you must proceed with wisdom. We entered the Government of National Unity to help build the country on better foundations,” he said.
The remarks come as the GNU enters a new phase following the July 9, 2026 reconciliation agreement between CCM and ACT Wazalendo.
President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has described the reconciliation as the beginning of a new phase focused on peace, stability and development rather than the end of the political process.
Mr Othman urged ACT Wazalendo leaders from the branch to regional levels to closely monitor issues affecting citizens in their respective areas.
He specifically asked party leaders to follow up on challenges involving Zanzibar identification cards and other official documents to which citizens are entitled.
He said leaders participating in the GNU had reached agreements intended to address some of the challenges facing Zanzibaris, adding that administrative procedures should not become barriers to citizens exercising their rights.
“I ask you, as you have trusted us, to continue trusting us. We went there for the sake of the people,” he said.
Mr Jussa, while welcoming Mr Othman to the event, recalled the political contribution of the late Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, a former ACT Wazalendo chairman and prominent Zanzibar opposition leader.
He urged residents of Pandani to support Mr Othman and remain committed to ACT Wazalendo.
The chairman of the ACT Wazalendo Council of Elders in Masipa Pandani, Bakar Sharif, called on young members to prepare for leadership and ensure continuity within the party.
He said current leaders had a responsibility to prepare a new generation capable of taking over when the current leadership retires.
“Today we have Othman after Maalim because Maalim prepared others to take over when he was gone,” Mr Bakar said.
The event was attended by ACT Wazalendo Zanzibar Vice Chairman Ismail Jussa, Zanzibar Deputy Secretary-General Omar Ali Shehe, the party’s Pemba coordinator Rashid Ali Abdallah, Wete Regional Chairman Juma Khamis and other party members and supporters.