MWE Correspondent
Opposition party ACT-Wazalendo has formally filed petitions at the High Court of Zanzibar, seeking legal redress for what it claims were irregularities in the 2025 House of Representatives election.
The petitions, which will be mentioned today, 10 December 2025, at the court in Tunguu, mark the start of a high-profile legal challenge that the party describes as essential for protecting the integrity of Zanzibar’s democratic process.
According to party leaders, several of its candidates were denied rightful victories in constituencies across both Unguja and Pemba, despite clear evidence of majority support. “Our intention is not merely to reclaim seats, but to restore confidence in the electoral system and ensure that every legitimate vote counts,” said a senior ACT-Wazalendo official during a press briefing.
The petitions highlight multiple procedural breaches and irregularities during the elections, including alleged tampering with official results and inconsistencies in vote counting. The party claims that in several constituencies, the declared results were reversed in ways that contradict legal and electoral guidelines. ACT-Wazalendo insists that it has sufficient evidence, including official constituency tallies and witness statements, to support its case before the High Court of Zanzibar, which holds jurisdiction over electoral disputes in the region.
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This legal action follows the party’s internal primaries held earlier in 2025, where candidates were selected for parliamentary, representative, and local council positions across 50 constituencies. Hundreds of aspirants participated in the primaries, which the party says were conducted transparently and fairly. The contrast between these internal procedures and the alleged irregularities in the general election has fueled the party’s decision to seek judicial intervention.
Political observers note that the court’s handling of these petitions could have significant implications for Zanzibar’s post-election political landscape. A favorable ruling for ACT-Wazalendo may lead to the reinstatement of its representatives in the House of Representatives, while a rejection could solidify the current composition. Analysts also suggest that the proceedings will serve as a key test of the independence and effectiveness of Zanzibar’s judicial and electoral institutions.
ACT-Wazalendo has emphasized that its pursuit of legal remedies is part of a broader effort to promote transparency, accountability, and public trust in Zanzibar’s governance structures. “We remain committed to peaceful, legal avenues to ensure that the voices of our supporters are heard and respected,” the party stated.
