The opposition party ACT-Wazalendo has declared that its current priority is advocating for reforms in Tanzania’s electoral system to ensure fairness and respect for citizens’ choices at the ballot box.
The party is also deliberating whether to participate in the upcoming general elections without the necessary reforms, leaving the final decision to its national leadership at the appropriate time. ACT-Wazalendo cited disappointment with President Samia Suluhu’s “4R” reform initiative, which they had initially supported but now considered ineffective.
This stance follows the party’s ordinary National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on February 23, 2025. The meeting focused on assessing the disruption of the 2024 local government elections, the overall political landscape, and the party’s strategy in response to the unfavorable conditions.
“The National Executive Committee of ACT Wazalendo is convinced that the reconciliation initiative promised by President Samia Suluhu Hassan has collapsed, and her 4R philosophy has evaporated,” reads the party statement.
READ:The Illusion of Reform: Unmasking the 4Rs and the Legacy of Mediocrity
Speaking at a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Magomeni, Dar es Salaam, ACT-Wazalendo Secretary General Ado Shaibu said that the party had concluded there is no political will to improve the democratic environment.
“The National Executive Committee urges President Samia to self-evaluate, particularly regarding the disconnect between her promises and the lack of action in implementing them,” Shaibu said, citing the meeting’s resolution.
He further emphasized that the party will now focus on advocating for electoral reforms, including constitutional amendments that will guarantee reforms of the electoral system of the country.Shaibu announced that ACT-Wazalendo will be launching a nationwide campaign to be known as ‘Operesheni Linda Demokrasia (Operation Protect Democracy).
READ: Beyond Promises: Are President Samia’s 4Rs Falling Short?
“The goal of this operation is to mobilize Tanzanians to fight for their rights and reject oppression,” he said. Additionally, ACT-Wazalendo has called for nationwide solidarity among opposition parties, civil society organizations, and religious leaders to unify efforts toward electoral reforms.
The party’s willingness to collaborate with other political and social stakeholders signals a renewed push for electoral changes. Recently, CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu outlined his party’s electoral reform agenda in a nationwide televised speech, also calling for solidarity among stakeholders.
Last week, top officials from both parties met when ACT-Wazalendo Vice Chairman for Zanzibar, Juma Duni Haji, and Ado Shaibu held discussions with CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu at CHADEMA headquarters. However, no official statement was released regarding the details of their talks.
ACT-Wazalendo was among the stakeholders that initially supported President Samia’s political reform initiatives by participating in dialogue and engagements. However, recent events, including irregularities in local government elections and reported human rights violations, have led the party to reassess its stance.
As a result, the National Executive Committee has directed the party to compile a detailed report on human rights violations in both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
