Zanzibar Electoral Commission vows impartial polls, insists on early voting

This arrangement applies to all election officials and security personnel on duty during polling day, enabling them to perform their roles without disruption.

The remarks come after ACT Wazalendo declared at various rallies that it would not accept early voting in the October polls.

Recently, while in Pemba, the party’s national chairman and First Vice President of Zanzibar, Othman Masoud, repeated the stance, saying the process should not proceed.

Speaking on August 12, 2025 after opening a training session for constituency assistant returning officers, ZEC Director of Elections Thabit Idarous Faina said the law was clear and would be applied.

“The Zanzibar Electoral Commission Act clearly provides for early voting, and our regulations state it will be held a day before the main election,” he said.

He noted that the Commission will announce the full election timetable on 18 August, adding: “Until then, the law remains the same, and we shall follow it.”

Pledge of fairness

Opening the five-day training, ZEC Vice Chairperson Justice Aziza Iddi Suweid stressed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair and credible election that satisfies all stakeholders.

She described the General Election as a national event requiring diligence, professionalism, and adherence to the principles of justice, transparency and accountability.

Justice Aziza said the integrity of election officials at all levels would be key to delivering a credible process.

“The success of this election depends greatly on your work. Every polling area must be managed according to the law, without favouritism. We want a process that is transparent, fair, and strictly within the law,” she said.

She reminded the officials that they represent the Commission in their constituencies and are responsible for preparation, implementation and monitoring of the electoral process.

She urged them to communicate respectfully with voters and stakeholders, and to resolve challenges by offering clear explanations rather than reacting with sarcasm or hostility.

Justice Aziza called for close cooperation among ZEC, security organs, political parties, civil society, religious leaders and citizens.

The training, attended by 100 assistant returning officers, covers 15 topics, including electoral law, ZEC regulations and practical election procedures.

The officers will later train polling station staff to ensure smooth vote counting and result announcements at constituency level.