ACT-Wazalendo kicks off Pemba rallies, denounces two-day election plan
What you need to know:
- These rallies that kicked off in Unguja several weeks ago are now scheduled to continue for four consecutive days to Tuesday across all regions and districts of Pemba.
Wete. ACT- Wazalendo kicked off rallies in Pemba on Saturday, focusing on the issue of the two-day election and declaring that it was unconstitutional.
These rallies that kicked off in Unguja several weeks ago are now scheduled to continue for four consecutive days to Tuesday across all regions and districts of Pemba.
At the Jadida Grounds in Wete District, North Region, the party’s national chairman, Mr Othman Masoud, addressed supporters and party members.
He emphasised the party’s opposition to the two-day election system, similar to that used in 2020, and criticised national and government officials who, in his view, show disregard for the constitution.
“If people are confident, they should adhere to the constitution, go to the polls, and let the votes determine leadership rather than relying on state power and authority,” Mr Masoud said.
He added: “My fellow countrymen, we are expressing our exhaustion; these issues are hindering our progress every day. We cannot accept this from your leaders. We will not conduct a two-day election, nor even a one-day and quarter election.”
Mr Masoud also stated that the party is focused on ensuring that those responsible for disrupting the 2020 elections will not oversee the upcoming election.
The party aims to end what they perceive as oppression and has decided to cease further negotiations related to their participation in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
These negotiations were aimed at resolving differences between the two sides. “Discussions will end at the ballot box.
We must uphold the desires of the people of Zanzibar so that their country can advance beyond this filth and ignorance because we can do so,” he asserted.
He argued that Zanzibar has the potential to develop beyond many currently advanced countries but is held back due to a lack of honest and visionary leadership.
Referring to the 2023/24 Budget speech delivered by the Minister of Finance and Planning on June 28, 2024,
He
noted that the country collects 1.5 trillion shillings in revenue, with Sh900 billion allocated for salaries and Sh300 billion for debt servicing, leaving no funds for development.
As a result, he claimed, the country remains impoverished despite claims of progress in implementing the election manifesto.
He pointed out that Zanzibar’s development is stymied by its lack of authority over crucial issues, many of which fall under union matters.
These issues include customs duties, gas and oil, currency, income tax, ports, higher education, aviation, immigration, statistics, and industrial licenses.
“All 41 of these issues are under the Union. You claim to have a government and boast of being in the ruling party, but how can you govern if you lack control over these critical areas? When you have no authority over these issues, it means you have no control over your country’s economy,” Mr Masoud said.
He added that the management of the country remains deceitful despite claims of implementing the manifesto.
He emphasised that ACT-Wazalendo’s push for full authority reflects their understanding of the country’s needs and stresses that having authority is crucial for economic development and overcoming poverty.
“It is unacceptable to be entrusted with the country, knowing it is being exploited while remaining indifferent.
If those in power are indifferent and lack authority, there will be no progress; we will remain in poverty and destitution. We will not accept that.”
The rally continued yesterday, Sunday, July 28, in Chake Chake, Pemba.
