The outgoing leaders, according to the Zanzibar Constitution, include the CCM presidential flagbearer, President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who seeks re-election, and the Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla.
Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar presidential candidate on the ACT Wazalendo ticket, Mr Othman Masoud Othman, has pledged to deliver a New Constitution to ensure the Isles are truly governed by their people.
Mr Othman said that under his leadership, Zanzibaris will enjoy the freedom to hold the government accountable, as the islands are home to responsible citizens.
He made these remarks on Saturday, September 13, 2025, during the launch of his presidential campaign at Tibirinzi Stadium in Chakechake, Pemba.
“We cannot govern based on arbitrary or uninformed principles. Whether a leader is a president, representative, or councillor, they must be picked transparently, in accordance with procedures, and legitimately elected by the people,” he said.
“Once elected, leaders must be accountable. No president, representative, or councillor should assume power unlawfully or rely on followers who are unable to hold them responsible,” added Mr Othman, who serves as the First Vice President in the Government of National Unity (GNU).
The outgoing leaders, according to the Zanzibar Constitution, include the CCM presidential flagbearer, President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who seeks re-election, and the Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla.
During the live-broadcast event, Mr Othman emphasised that a country cannot thrive under such a system, hinting that ACT Wazalendo’s first commitment is to return Zanzibar to its people.
“We must uphold good governance by enacting a New Constitution. This is our first promise. The Constitution will lay the foundations for accountability through independent commissions and courts,” he said.
He added that the Constitution will ensure independent institutions that deliver justice, including courts that are impartial and accountable.
Furthermore, Mr Othman said the Constitution will safeguard harmony in Zanzibar by establishing an Independent Reconciliation Commission and promoting national unity.
According to him, some of the ACT Wazalendo’s planned reforms are the creation of special courts to oversee governance, ensuring every leader, including ministers, adheres to legal procedures.
He also said the New Constitution will curb an unchecked presidency, defining clear responsibilities for the president and vice president.
“The president will appoint judges, prosecutors, auditors, and heads of institutions overseeing government operations, serving as supervisor and guardian to ensure proper management. Other executive duties will fall under the Prime Minister,” he explained.
A government for the people
Mr Othman said he will form a government that addresses citizens’ challenges by strengthening economic capacity, ensuring everyone, including clove farmers, benefits from their labour.
He emphasized that Zanzibar’s economy is largely based on cloves and pledged to safeguard farmers’ rights to bolster the sector.
“We believe Zanzibar can thrive and produce cloves to uplift its people. Poverty can be eliminated. ACT Wazalendo will protect citizens’ interests, and my government will serve the people,” he said, adding.
“I will form a government that will empower citizens economically, not merely engage them in symbolic initiatives,” he insisted.
Zanzibar’s rights
Mr Othman, also ACT Wazalendo Chairman, said Zanzibar does not need loans to operate, as it has the authority to manage its economy independently.
He said one of his priorities will be ensuring Zanzibar exercises full control over its economy without relying on borrowing.
“Our first task is to address these challenges. For 60 years, Zanzibar has been dominated; our job is to protect its interests. This is why we call this the year of rescuing Zanzibar,” he said.
“What we seek are Zanzibar’s rights. These are already established; our role is to ensure people understand and collectively agree to them,” he added.
Among his objectives, Othman said he will secure Zanzibar’s rights within the Union framework to ensure fairness for all parties.
Zitto Kabwe
Former party leader, Mr Zitto Kabwe, described Mr Othman as a leader who rose to the helm of Zanzibar politics in response to the times and the community’s needs, rather than personal ambition.
Former party leader, Mr Zitto Kabwe
“That is why we say this is the year to rescue Zanzibar, because all the stars are aligned. Zanzibar faces many challenges, including the poverty of its people despite its wealth, the lack of authority to make its own decisions, and the hardships in citizens’ lives that should not exist. Othman Masoud Othman is the solution,” he said.
