MWE Correspondent
Top leaders of ACT-Wazalendo gathered in Zanzibar for a closed-door meeting to reflect on the tense political atmosphere that followed the October 29 General Election—and to confront a defining question for the party’s future
should it join the Government of National Unity (GNU), or remain outside as an independent opposition voice?
The meeting, held at the party’s sub-head office in Vuga, Unguja, was the first major leadership session since the end of the polls. Party Leader Dorothy Semu chaired the discussions, joined by senior figures including former leader Zitto Kabwe, chairman Othman Masoud and secretary-general Ado Shaibu. Although the party shared photographs from the session, it chose not to disclose the full agenda, adding to public anticipation about what direction the leadership might take.
Sources familiar with the talks suggested that the meeting could bring the party closer to a clear decision on whether to enter the GNU—an arrangement permitted under the Zanzibar Constitution, which was amended in 2010 to formalise a power-sharing model aimed at easing political tensions on the islands. For ACT-Wazalendo, the choice is far from simple. Joining the GNU could offer the party a formal role in governance, potentially increasing its influence during a sensitive period. Remaining outside, however, would preserve its identity as a strong opposition voice—an identity many of its supporters value deeply.
The retreat also came at a time when the party is involved in a series of legal challenges. The party’s Chief Legal Counsel, Omar Said Shabaan, has filed 25 petitions before the Zanzibar High Court, questioning results from both parliamentary and House of Representatives races across Unguja and Pemba. The legal push reflects ACT-Wazalendo’s belief that parts of the electoral process need scrutiny and accountability.
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In the final results, ACT-Wazalendo secured 10 of the 50 seats, while the ruling party, CCM, won 40. The outcome has sparked internal debate about how the party should position itself moving forward. For some within the party, joining the GNU could help calm post-election tensions and ensure that their supporters are represented in governance. Others argue that stepping into government could dilute the party’s mission and weaken its ability to speak firmly on behalf of the public.
Zanzibar’s political history has long been shaped by questions of power-sharing and reconciliation. The GNU model, first implemented after reforms in 2010, was introduced to reduce mistrust and recurring political friction on the islands. As ACT-Wazalendo deliberates, the broader climate in Zanzibar remains sensitive, with many citizens eager for stability while still demanding fairness and transparency.
For now, no formal decision has been announced. Party members and supporters across the country are waiting closely for guidance, aware that the choice could influence not just ACT-Wazalendo’s future, but the tone of national politics as well.
What remains clear is that the leadership is grappling with a moment of real consequence—balancing principle, public expectation and political strategy as it decides how best to serve the people who placed their trust in the party.
