Optimism as ACT party takes off
Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT) Leader Zitto Kabwe (centre) waves to members as he arrives at a meeting to launch the new political party in Dar es Salaam yesterday. PHOTO|SAID KHAMIS
What you need to know:
- ACT is a newly formed political party in Tanzania. It was formed and received its permanent registration in May 2014. It is the 21st registered political party in the country.
- In March 21, 2015, ACT received first high profile politician, Mr Zitto Kabwe. He joined the party after quitting his parliamentary seat following his expulsion from Chadema.
Dar es Salaam. Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT) yesterday declared its stand on the coming referendum, saying it opposed the proposed new constitution.
The party, which was officially launched yesterday after its first general meeting on Saturday, urged its members to vote ‘NO’ during the referendum due to the fact that the proposed Mother Law betrayed the wishes of the majority.
“The Constitutional Review Commission report noted there was huge corruption and abuse of office as among reasons behind poor governance. The proposed constitution has not set strong pillars and principles to fight corruption and misuse of public funds,” said newly elected Party Leader, Mr Zitto Kabwe.
Mr Zitto, who spoke about the new party’s desire to redefine the country’s political, economic and social landscape told ecstatic delegates that they will back only matters that put the interest of the nation first ahead of those of any other groups.
In the same vain, he said ACT joined those who wanted the government to shelve the plan to table the Media Services and Right to Information bills under the certificate of urgency as it would deny the people the right to be heard.
He added that his party was looking forward to building a strong base and on principles that will enable every citizen participates in building the country.
“ We must make sure this nation is given back to the people, we cannot build a nation that belongs to a few businessmen and politicians. ACT focuses at building a nation where leaders will be accountable to the people,” he said during the meeting televised live on ITV.
Mr Zitto, who has found a political home in ACT after falling out with the main opposition party, Chadema, used the opportunity to chart the future he envisaged in the new party.
