To assist voters, ZEC has introduced a USSD service (15200) that allows citizens to check their polling stations using their voter ID numbers and find information on obtaining missing voter cards
Unguja. As nomination forms for presidential, parliamentary, and councillor candidates begin to be issued, the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) has called on candidates to collect and submit their forms on time and fill them out accurately to avoid unnecessary disputes.
ZEC has also warned against the use of abusive language, insults, and hate campaigns, stressing that such behaviour could threaten peace before, during, and after the elections.
The remarks were made on Wednesday, August 27, 2028, by ZEC Chairperson Judge George Joseph Kazi during a stakeholders’ meeting ahead of the nomination process.
“We are entering a critical stage in candidate nominations. It is essential that deadlines are observed and forms completed correctly,” he said. He urged parties to conduct orderly campaigns, avoid violence and offensive language, and adhere to official campaign schedules.
Judge Kazi also called on stakeholders to avoid hate speech, incitement, and threats, and to work with the Commission and other partners to ensure peaceful elections. He stressed that parties should educate supporters on respecting others and not removing rivals’ campaign materials to guarantee fairness.
ZEC Director of Elections Thabit Idarous Faina said 34 institutions—32 local and two international—have applied to serve as election observers for the 2025 general election. All applicants met the requirements and are awaiting accreditation letters.
To assist voters, ZEC has introduced a USSD service (15200) that allows citizens to check their polling stations using their voter ID numbers and find information on obtaining missing voter cards. A new call centre (0800 110 221) has also been launched to provide free assistance and answer election-related queries.
Mohamed Ali of ADA Tadea said fair access to campaign areas could make this election one of the best since multi-party politics was introduced. Magharib District Commissioner B. Amour Mmanga added that the USSD service would help voters who are busy with daily activities.
Religious leaders, including Secretary-General Bishop Dickson Kaganga, urged parties to avoid using places of worship for political activities, warning such actions could incite unrest.
ZEC’s Head of Election Services, Khamis Khamis, emphasised that campaign materials may only be displayed in designated public areas. Restricted locations include government offices, schools, universities, hospitals, health centres, government transport facilities, and private homes without the owners’ consent.
