ACT Wazalendo launches ‘Operation Protect Democracy’ to demand electoral reforms

Dar es Salaam.  ACT Wazalendo has intensified its efforts for electoral reforms by launching its “Operation Protect Democracy” campaign (Operesheni Linda Demokrasia) in the Lindi region. 

The campaign aims to mobilise Tanzanians against electoral malpractice and governance failures.

Speaking at a public convention yesterday, former ACT leader Zitto Kabwe emphasized that the country’s electoral system urgently needs reform. 

He said that the campaign seeks to restore the integrity of elections and ensure that every Tanzanian vote counts.

“For three consecutive elections, the value of a Tanzanian’s vote has been eroded. In the 2019 local government elections, opposition candidates were disqualified en masse. In 2020, we witnessed widespread use of pre-marked ballots, and similar malpractice occurred in 2024,” Mr Kabwe explained.

He added that a key demand of the campaign is the establishment of an independent electoral commission to oversee elections, replacing the current system, which he claims is heavily influenced by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

“How can an electoral commission that includes former CCM officials like Omari Mapuri be expected to act fairly? Even the law stipulates that members of an independent electoral commission must be recruited competitively. Yet, CCM refuses to implement the very laws they created,” he said. 

Mr Kabwe cautioned that the ongoing manipulation of electoral processes is eroding patriotism among Tanzanians. 

“CCM thinks that by rigging elections, they are harming the opposition. In reality, they are harming the nation. Citizens are losing faith in the country, and the spirit of nationalism is deteriorating,” he said.

In support of the campaign, the deputy national chairperson (Mainland), Isihaka Mchinjita, urged Tanzanians to actively participate in the fight for democracy, stating that free and fair elections are a fundamental right.

“Protecting democracy is the number one duty of every citizen. When people lose the freedom to choose their leaders, they become prisoners in their own country,” Mr Mchinjita asserted.

The party announced that “Operesheni Linda Demokrasia” will continue nationwide through public forums and engagements with key stakeholders to advocate for comprehensive electoral reforms.