ACT rallies support for GNU accord
ZANZIBAR: ACT-WAZALENDO National Chairman Othman Masoud Othman (pictured) has urged Zanzibaris to support the party’s reconciliation agreement with the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), saying it offers the best opportunity to end decades of disputed elections and political tensions in Zanzibar.
Speaking at the conclusion of his island-wide tour of Pemba, Mr Othman said the agreement and its implementation roadmap could help address challenges that emerge during elections, enhance stronger democratic institutions and long-term political stability if fully implemented.
“If these agreements are implemented as intended, the next general election in Zanzibar will be conducted under improved laws and a strengthened Constitution. This is how we end recurring political conflict,” he said.
Mr Othman said the negotiations were not aimed at sharing political power or securing positions, but at reforming governance systems to ensure Zanzibaris freely and fairly elect their leaders.
“This process is about restoring Zanzibar to its citizens by protecting their democratic right to choose leaders through free and fair elections,” he said.
He noted that Zanzibar has experienced repeated electoral disputes since the mid-1990s, resulting in political unrest and declining public confidence in democratic institutions.
According to him, the reconciliation agreement seeks to address those challenges through legal and institutional reforms, particularly in the electoral system. He described the agreement as a turning point that could rebuild public trust in elections while creating a stronger foundation for economic development through improved governance and accountability.
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Touting Zanzibar’s economic potential, Mr Othman said the islands have significant opportunities to accelerate development by building on the Isles’ strategic advantages and strengthening key drivers of economic growth.
He noted that while Zanzibar’s per capita income is about 1,300 US dollars compared with nearly 13,000 US dollars in Mauritius, the comparison underscores the opportunities to further enhance governance, accountability and domestic revenue mobilisation in support of sustainable and inclusive development.
“Mauritius has built its success on accountability, discipline and efficient tax collection. That is the direction we must take,” he said. He added that while Mauritius finances most of its approximately 5.8 billion US dollar budget through domestic revenue, Zanzibar’s approximately 2.5 billion US dollar budget is supported by a combination of domestic resources and development partner financing.
He said expanding domestic revenue mobilisation would further strengthen fiscal sustainability and provide greater capacity to finance the islands’ long-term development priorities.
Mr Othman acknowledged that some reforms, particularly within the public service, would take time to implement, but expressed confidence they would deliver lasting benefits. He also dismissed criticism of the reconciliation process, accusing opponents of putting personal interests ahead of national unity.
