ACT-Wazalendo Files 25 Election Petitions in Zanzibar High Court

Unguja – ACT-Wazalendo has submitted 25 petitions to the High Court contesting the outcomes of the Zanzibar House of Representatives elections, while maintaining that joining the Government of National Unity (GNU) remains secondary to other pressing matters.

The petitions encompass 25 of the 50 constituencies across Unguja and Pemba islands.

During a November 17 briefing at the party’s Vuga headquarters in Unguja, ACT-Wazalendo’s Attorney General Omar Said Shaaban disclosed that eight petitions concern Pemba constituencies, while 17 relate to Unguja.

"We have taken this step because we strongly believe that in the constituencies where we have filed, and those where we plan to file, our candidates were denied their rightful victory due to breaches of electoral procedures," Shaaban stated.

The party has yet to file parliamentary election petitions, as the process continues. Under Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regulations, parties have 30 days following result announcements to submit parliamentary petitions.

However, the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) mandates that House of Representatives petitions must be filed within seven days of the election’s conclusion.

Constituencies already under legal challenge include Malindi, Amani, Nungwi, Kijini, Bumbwini, Chaani, Mpendae, Kiembesamaki, Mwanakwerekwe, Makunduchi, Pangawe, Chumbuni, Tumbatu, Mwera, Mtoni, Welezo, and Mkwajuni.

Following petition submissions, the High Court Deputy Registrar instructed the party on November 10 to provide official constituency results, which have been duly submitted.

Pemba petitions filed on November 4 remain pending in the Deputy Registrar’s office.

All candidates whose constituencies are contested have paid required court fees, including a 2 million shillings security deposit per case.

"For parliamentary seats, we expect to begin filing this week. We prioritised the House of Representatives because of the seven-day deadline, whereas parliamentary petitions allow more time," Shaaban explained.

The party has completed its review of all constituencies it intends to challenge and will release comprehensive details upon completion of filings.

ACT-Wazalendo’s Board of Trustees has also filed Civil Application No. 28632 of 2025 against INEC and the Attorney General of Tanzania, requesting court permission to pursue judicial review.

The application contests INEC’s special seats allocation and requests the court to order the Commission to withdraw its decision and adhere to legal procedures.

The case is scheduled for first mention on November 19 before Justice Kisanya.

"We believe the Commission acted fraudulently in the allocation of special seats and breached both rules and established procedures. We have gathered sufficient information on the number of valid votes our party received nationwide, and we believe we qualify for additional seats," Shaaban said.

In the recent allocation, Chaumma received two special seats, while Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) secured 113 out of 115.

Regarding potential participation in the Government of National Unity, Shaaban reiterated the party’s stance, consistent with previous statements by national chairperson Othman Masoud.

"Our position has not changed. Whether we join or do not join the GNU is not a priority. The country faces bigger issues that require urgent solutions. And why rush a decision in two weeks when the Constitution gives you three months to decide?" he questioned.

On November 15, during the swearing-in ceremony of Zanzibar’s new cabinet, President Hussein Mwinyi encouraged ACT-Wazalendo leaders to join the GNU in the interest of national unity.