CCM’s secured future versus ACT’s ‘Brand Promise’ - a clash of ideologies that will define Zanzibar’s destiny

Unguja. In Zanzibar’s political landscape, the contest between the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT) and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has evolved into a high-stakes ideological battle that may determine the island nation’s future trajectory.

Through its Brand Promise that was unveiled in February 2023, ACT Wazalendo is advocating for transformative and fundamental change that they believe will make Zanzibar the envy of many both in Africa and beyond.

Read: What will it take for ACT to achieve its Brand Promise?

Whereas the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) which has been at the helm of governance in Zanzibar for six decades is emphasizing stability and continuity, and they believe that the future that Zanzibar and its people have long waited for has arrived.

Armed with a new slogan (Yajayo Yametimia) –‘the future is here’, as they implement the 2020 election manifesto under the stewardship of Dr Hussein Mwinyi, CCM believe they are on the right track to accelerate economic growth on the Spice Islands.

This makes the upcoming political dynamics in Zanzibar reflect a broader clash of ideologies that could either propel the island to new heights or plunge it into uncertainty.

ACT-Wazalendo’s Brand Promise: A vision of transformation

ACT Wazalendo’s vision is packaged in what they have christened the Brand Promise which is built on a promise of comprehensive change and modernization as they chase the dream of making Zanzibar the ‘Singapore of Africa’.

The party’s brand is anchored in its commitment to reform, transparency, and inclusive governance which they say can only be achieved if Zanzibar’s autonomy is assured as opposed to the current status.

As a result they have coined the slogan New Zanzibar, One Zanzibar, Full autonomy which according to First Vice President and Party’s national chairman Mr Othman Masoud is the only way through which Zanzibar reignite its dream of becoming an economic powerhouse on the continent.

In Mr Masoud’s own words, Zanzibar at one point was the epicenter of civilization and international trade for many centuries, therefore, it does not make sense for it to be among the poorest countries in the world that is dependent on charities.

ACT envisions a Zanzibar that thrives on innovation, accountability, and citizen engagement. Their platform includes ambitious plans to revitalize key sectors such as education, healthcare, justice delivery system and tourism, aiming to position Zanzibar as a regional hub for economic and cultural growth.

They blame the stalled development of the Island’s economy to the nature of the politics and the union that Zanzibar and Tanganyika entered in 1964, a few months after the revolution that ended minority rule of the sultanate.

According to Mr Othman, Zanzibar’s development is stymied by its lack of authority over crucial 41 issues, many of which fall under union matters, which makes governing the country difficult because they form the lifeline of any economy.

These issues ACT says include customs duties, gas and oil, currency, income tax, ports, higher education, aviation, immigration, statistics, and industrial licenses among others which are enshrined in the 1977 Constitution as Union matters.

They believe that when you have no authority over these issues, it means you have no control over your country’s economy.

They argue that Zanzibar's economy relies on what is supposed to be Union resources, warning that any attempt to strip Zanzibar of these resources would leave it destitute, reliant on charity.

 A central element of ACT’s appeal is its promise to combat corruption and enhance public sector efficiency.

To this effect, they have on many occasions tasked the ruling party to account for some of the expenditure in some of the projects including the reconstruction of Amaan Stadium and the Malindi Port Management deal, the stalled Construction of Pemba Airport and the award of the ground handling deal at AAKIA among many others.

The party advocates for a more transparent and participatory government, which resonates with many Zanzibaris who are disillusioned with the status quo.

With their involvement in the Government of National Unity lying in a balance the party claims that their vision is not just about incremental adjustments but rather about a fundamental overhaul of governance structures and socioeconomic policies.

CCM’s secured future relying on stability and continuity

In contrast, CCM, which has been in power since Zanzibar’s union with Tanganyika to form Tanzania in 1964, positions itself as the guardian of stability and continuity.

The party focuses on maintaining the established order, promoting economic growth through incremental reforms, and ensuring that Zanzibar remains a stable and secure part of the Union of Tanzania.

The implementation of the 2020 election manifesto has seen the acceleration of development projects which has been a cornerstone of the eighth phase Revolutionary Government (SMZ).

This has seen the construction of major roads, 10 District hospitals and one regional hospital, construction of markets in Mwanakwerekwe, Jumbi, and Chuini, schools in both Unguja and Pemba among other projects.

To improve the Blue economy the government leased out several islets which has in turn boosted investments through the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA)

Though these projects have attracted criticism from the other political divide in the manner in which it has been handled, CCM maintains that it is the only way through which they can realise the dream of building an economically stable Zanzibar

CCM argues that its long-standing governance experience provides a secure foundation for Zanzibar’s future and on many occasions have criticised ACT’s stand of the desire for a full autonomy claiming it would disintegrate the Union.

The party highlights its achievements in infrastructure development, social services, and economic management.

CCM’s emphasis is on gradual progress and preserving the gains made under its leadership, which it argues is essential for maintaining Zanzibar’s stability in an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment.

 The clash of ideologies

The clash between ACT’s transformative agenda and CCM’s emphasis on stability reflects a deeper ideological divide. On one side, ACT’s vision represents a call for radical change and a break from past practices, appealing to those who seek a fresh start and greater accountability.

On the other, CCM’s platform represents a commitment to preserving the current political and economic structures that, according to its supporters, have provided stability and development over the decades.

This ideological conflict is not just a matter of policy preferences but touches on fundamental questions about Zanzibar’s future direction.

The debate is framed around whether the island nation should pursue bold reforms that could potentially disrupt the existing order but offer significant rewards, or whether it should continue on a path of cautious progress that prioritizes stability and continuity.

Implications for Zanzibar’s future

The outcome of this ideological clash will have profound implications for Zanzibar’s future. Should ACT succeed in its push for change, Zanzibar might experience a period of significant transformation, with potential gains in governance and socioeconomic development.

However, according to certain commentators, this path also carries risks of instability and uncertainty during the transition period.

Conversely, if CCM retains power further beyond 2025, Zanzibar will likely continue on its current trajectory, with gradual improvements and a focus on maintaining the status quo. While this approach may ensure stability, it could also lead to missed opportunities for more substantial reforms that some believe are necessary to address systemic issues.

The stakes are high, and the choice facing Zanzibaris in 400 days to come is a pivotal one. As the island nation stands at this crossroads, the clash between ACT’s promise of transformation and CCM’s commitment to stability will shape not only the political landscape but also the broader trajectory of Zanzibar’s development.