On port operations, he promised that if elected, Zanzibar would operate as a Freeport, insisting existing duty rates are unaffordable
Unguja. Zanzibar presidential candidate for the Farmers’ Party (AAFP), Said Soud Said, has pledged that if elected, his administration will set the price of one kilo of cloves at Sh50,000 to ensure farmers earn fair returns from their labour.
He also vowed to turn Zanzibar’s port into a duty-free entry point, arguing that current charges far exceed the real cost of goods.
Mr Soud made the remarks on Thursday, September 18, 2025, while addressing a campaign rally at Mabembea Grounds in Malindi, Urban West Region.
“It is painful that today clove farmers cannot even afford a bicycle, while buyers cruise in luxury vehicles such as Prados. This is exploitation,” he said.
“I appeal to you to take me to the State House so we can resolve the challenges confronting us,” added Mr Said.
On port operations, he promised that if elected, Zanzibar would operate as a Freeport, insisting existing duty rates are unaffordable.
“In Dubai, you can buy a car for $150, but when it arrives here, you end up paying $6,000 in taxes. We cannot continue under such conditions,” he stressed.
He further argued that high living costs deny young people the means to buy gifts for their parents.
“I will change the system so that instead of youths only owning motorcycles for bodaboda, they can own cars,” he pledged.
Mr Soud also said that if elected, Zanzibar’s paramilitary forces (SMZ units) would shift to farming cloves and coconuts, leaving security to the Police Force.
“The work of these forces will be to farm cloves and coconuts to boost production. Patrolling streets in uniform will end. The Police alone will be sufficient,” he said.
He urged young people to vote overwhelmingly for him, promising that once in the State House, his government would provide free dowries for those planning to marry.
He further pledged to expand income-generating opportunities and leisure facilities, noting that young people currently have few recreation options, with Forodhani Gardens seen as the only outlet.
Mr Soud appealed to parents to lower dowry demands, saying they discourage many young men from marrying.
He reiterated his controversial stance that if elected, he would ban six-by-six-foot beds, arguing they prevent couples from having children because they “keep spouses apart”.
Earlier, while campaigning for parliamentary and House of Representatives candidates in Malindi, he praised their capacity to deliver development.
He urged voters not to be swayed by parties or appearances, but to elect capable individuals, stressing that his party’s aspirants had the competence to serve.
“In the last Parliament we saw members who remained silent. If you elect such people, the President ends up choosing them as ministers, and later you complain. But the truth is, the President lacks a pool of capable appointees,” he said.
For his part, Malindi House of Representatives candidate Hafidh Othman Jabu said that despite national progress over the past five years, the constituency had been left behind due to poor leadership.
“We will work with investors to bring development to our constituency,” he pledged.
Parliamentary candidate Said Kheri Ame added that Malindi has many opportunities, including the port, but they have been squandered due to weak leadership. He vowed major changes if given the mandate.
Earlier, the party’s deputy chairperson, Mr Omar Juma Said, cautioned against voting based on emotions or bandwagon politics.
“Let us stop voting emotionally. We must prioritise safeguarding our peace and unity,” he said.
