ACT Wazalendo Launches Electoral Reform Campaign

ACT Wazalendo Launches Nationwide Campaign for Electoral Reforms

Saturday, March 29, 2025
Lindi, Tanzania

The momentum for comprehensive electoral reforms in Tanzania continues to grow, as ACT Wazalendo officially launches a bold new campaign aimed at overhauling the country’s electoral systems and restoring the sanctity of the vote.

The initiative, known as Operesheni Linda Demokrasia (Operation Defend Democracy), seeks to safeguard democratic principles and ensure that every Tanzanian vote holds value. The campaign was inaugurated today in Lindi Municipality by ACT Wazalendo's former party leader, Zitto Kabwe, who served as the guest of honor at a public forum.

Speaking during the launch, Zitto sharply criticized past electoral processes, highlighting systemic flaws and violations of democratic principles. He condemned what he described as the erosion of voting integrity over the past three electoral cycles.

“In three consecutive elections, the value of the vote has been lost. In the 2019 local government elections, there was no real voting—nearly all opposition candidates were disqualified. In 2020, we witnessed the unprecedented spread of fake ballots. And in 2024, the same malpractice occurred,” he stated.

Zitto emphasized that a core demand of the campaign is the restructuring of the Independent National Electoral Commission to guarantee fair, free, and credible elections.

“How can an electoral commission that includes figures like Omari Mapuri—formerly the publicity secretary of CCM—claim impartiality? The current law on the Independent National Electoral Commission stipulates that commissioners should be selected through a competitive, transparent process. Yet the CCM government refuses to implement even the law they enacted themselves,” he added.

According to Shangwe Ayo, Deputy Secretary for Information, Publicity, and Public Relations, the operation is set to reach all regions of the country, with the overarching goal of returning dignity and power to the electorate.

Zitto further noted that the weakening of democracy has had broader implications, including the erosion of national patriotism among citizens.

Adding to the calls for reform, Isihaka Mchinjita, ACT Wazalendo’s Vice Chairman for Mainland Tanzania, urged Tanzanians to actively defend democratic foundations.

“Protecting democracy is the primary duty of every citizen. When people are denied the freedom to choose their leaders, they become prisoners in their own land,” Mchinjita stated.

As part of the campaign, ACT Wazalendo will be conducting forums across various regions and engaging with key stakeholders to educate the public and advocate for democratic reforms under the Operesheni Linda Demokrasia banner.