ACT-Wazalendo is shifting its strategy to a focus on political struggle for democracy, inviting collaboration from other parties. Chairman Othman Masoud Othman emphasizes citizen involvement in governance and accountability for resource management. The change is motivated by frustrations over past electoral irregularities and a desire to address systemic issues in Tanzania’s political landscape.
ACT-Wazalendo, under the leadership of chairman Othman Masoud Othman, is refocusing its political strategy towards a paradigm of political struggle aimed at enhancing democracy in Tanzania. Mr. Othman, who also holds the position of Zanzibar’s First Vice President, articulated that this approach does not advocate violence but signifies an active fight for democratic principles.
During a press conference in Dar es Salaam, Mr. Othman invited other political entities to collaborate in the effort to “liberate” the citizens of Tanzania, emphasizing that without unification in action, the populace risks remaining politically subjugated. This call for solidarity is driven by a commitment to democracy, independent of the upcoming General Election.
Mr. Othman remarked, “Struggle politics means fighting for what we believe in to ensure its success. Our priority is to secure democracy in Tanzania.” He expressed concerns about citizens’ rights to participate in governance, illustrating his point with an analogy about ownership and lack of control in decision-making processes.
He asserted the necessity for the full implementation of the constitution, highlighting the importance of public involvement in decisions that impact their daily lives. Furthermore, he indicated that the perspective of Tanzania’s democratization should encompass economic accountability alongside political dimensions.
Othman raised significant questions regarding the management of national resources, calling for transparency and accountability among those in charge of tax revenue. He outlined the need for responsible management of Tanzania’s rich natural resources, including gold and oil, stressing the potential for systemic corruption due to unaccountability.
The party’s strategic shift is also a reaction to the growing discontent among Tanzanians, exacerbated by the electoral irregularities of 2019 and 2020. Mr. Othman recognized that the government’s previous approach, which aimed to reconcile divisions within the nation, involved significant contributions from ACT-Wazalendo in discussions pertaining to electoral reforms and supported the President’s framework for national healing.
ACT-Wazalendo’s transition to a focus on political struggle signifies a commitment to fostering democracy and accountability in Tanzania. Othman Masoud Othman has called for collaboration among political parties to address the prevalent issues of governance and resource management, emphasizing the need for citizen empowerment and economic responsibility. This shift comes as a response to public frustration stemming from past electoral irregularities, urging all stakeholders to actively participate in the political discourse.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
