A leading opposition party in Tanzania, ACT-Wazelendo, has announced plans to mobilize a unified voice comprising of several other parties and individuals, in a bid to return the East-African country back to democracy by removing controversial President John Magufuli and his ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) come October 2020.

Speaking at the party’s annual general meeting in Dar-es-Salaam, the party leader, Zitto Kabwe, explained that through the creation of a unified voice for all the opposition parties and civil society groups, it would be possible to finally take over the government from the ruling CCM which has been in power for 20 years.

“Our goal as ACT-Wazalendo is to create a prosperous Tanzania with people who are happy and proud of their country. We want to build a people-centred economy through the people’s cooperatives and their communities,” he said while addressing party supporters over the weekend.

The meeting, which was also attended by leaders of other opposition parties with the aim to elect the party’s new leaders, served as a unifying ground for parties who intend to take power from Magufuli, who has famously stated that his party will “rule forever.”

Tendai Biti, Vice President of Zimbabwe’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), who also spoke at the meeting urged other parties to come on board, saying: “Oftentimes our quest for democracy is disturbed by a multiplicity of voices and candidates. That doesn’t help our cause.” He added: “I urge unity among all democratic movements in this country. This is the only way upcoming and strong parties like you (ACT-Wazalendo) will have a chance to execute your great agenda for the people of Tanzania.”

Other party representatives at the meeting in Tanzania who expressed support for a unified voice heading into the October polls include the party Chairman of the National League for Democracy (NLD), Oscar Makaidi, as well as the Deputy Secretary-General, Chadema, Benson Kigalia.

Rising Tensions in Tanzania

Opposition parties, including Chadema and six others, had announced their decision in November 2019 to boycott the country’s 2019 local elections over allegations of government interference. Ahead of the 2020 elections, the international community has questioned Magufuli’s alleged abuse of power that also saw the arrest of acclaimed journalist, Erick Kabendera, as well as leaders of opposition parties.