ACT-Wazalendo’s Othman urges Isles elders to push for reforms  

ZANZIBAR: ACT Wazalendo presidential candidate Othman Masoud Othman has called on Zanzibar’s elders to recognize their historic responsibility to stand at the forefront of change in the upcoming general election on October 29.

Speaking at an indoor meeting with elders from Mtambile constituency, held at Judo Hall in Chole Kengeja, Pemba, Othman emphasized that elders are not only the backbone of families but also the guiding light of society, tasked with leading the younger generation toward a better future.

“Elders have a critical role in ensuring that their children make the right decision by choosing ACT Wazalendo to lead Zanzibar under my leadership,” Othman said as he asked for votes, stressing that the wisdom of elders will give young people the confidence to choose change.

Addressing the hardships of daily life, he added: “The duty of parents and elders should not end with advice alone, but also with working alongside the youth to ensure they turn out to vote in large numbers. It is your responsibility to stand firm and tell your children that change will come through the ballot box on October 29.”

In his speech, Othman also pledged major reforms in the employment sector, vowing that under his presidency, parents would no longer bear the burden of jobless youth. He promised that his government would create opportunities for jobs and access to capital so that families could live with dignity.

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On health care, Othman said treatment is a right, not a business, and elders should be given proper medical care like all others. He pledged that an ACT Wazalendo government would lower the cost of treatment and ensure every Zanzibari receives dignified care without discrimination.

He further committed to reforming the education system to suit Zanzibar’s needs, promising more practical and skills-based learning so that young people can be self-reliant rather than memorizing books without benefit.

Elders at the meeting welcomed his message, applauding Othman for recognizing their role in the struggle for change.

Mr Ali Mohamed, an elder from Chole Kengeja, said: “We have witnessed challenges for a long time. Now we are ready to guide our young people to ensure we bring change through the ballot.”

Another elder, Mr Makame Juma, added that elders are the pillars of community cohesion and that if they turn out in large numbers to vote, Zanzibar will begin a new chapter of dignity and development.