ACT-Wazalendo presidential candidate in Zanzibar Othman Masoud Othman has declared that a core policy of his party is to significantly financially empower local government authorities to ensure provision of reliable and high-quality public services across Zanzibar.

Speaking at Kinyasini Market where he outlined the party’s development vision and local governance policies, Othman stressed the need to strengthen municipal councils and local markets to meet acceptable standards that directly benefit the community.

Othman noted that many local markets currently fall short of basic service standards. He promised that an ACT-Wazalendo administration would prioritize improving infrastructure, ensuring cleanliness and providing traders with a conducive environment to operate legally and effectively.

During his visit, traders voiced numerous complaints, including multiplicity of taxes and levies, poor hygiene conditions and imposition of charges for basic amenities like toilets despite paying daily business fees.

Later in the day, addressing a campaign rally at Gamba in Chaani Constituency, Othman criticized the current administration for neglecting farmers despite prior promises to modernize the agriculture sector. He argued that the failure to deliver on promises for modern farming support and increased productivity stems from ordinary citizens lacking "real power to decide their own destiny."

"ACT-Wazalendo is determined to return that power to the people so that citizens can choose leaders who will truly represent and serve them," he stated.

He vowed that an ACT-Wazalendo government would work to eliminate what he termed oppression, arrogance and corruption among leaders who mistreat Zanzibaris.

At the same rally, former ACT-Wazalendo National Chairman, Juma Duni Haji (popularly known as Babu), rallied supporters by stating that the original goals of the Zanzibar Revolution have been lost. He accused those in power of having abandoned the people and using national resources to enrich a privileged few.

Haji urged Zanzibaris to recognize that the campaign is aimed at achieving real and lasting change through their votes. He explicitly endorsed Othman, describing him as disciplined, honest, trustworthy and free from any record of misconduct. Haji added that Othman would demonstrate strong leadership by implementing policies such as introducing a minimum monthly salary of one million shillings for workers.

Mcha Rajab Juma, ACT-Wazalendo North Region Chairman, expressed confidence that the region is firmly behind the party and was eagerly waiting for October 29 to vote for their candidates at all levels.

"The people of Gamba are united for change," Juma declared. "We are ready to work together to achieve political, economic and social transformation that will safeguard Zanzibar’s interest and future.”

Earlier in the day, Othman also met with elders at Kandwi Village to discuss community challenges, including the alleged controversial seizure of land under the pretext of investment projects and explained the party’s policy framework for addressing such “injustices”.