Zanzibar. The Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) has dismissed objections by CCM and ACT-Wazalendo regarding the candidature of their nominees and has officially approved the names for the Mtambwe by-election.
CCM candidate Hamad Khamis Hamad had objected to ACT-Wazalendo candidate Dr. Mohammed Ali Suleiman, claiming that he used two different identity card numbers.
Dr. Suleiman had objected to Hamad's candidature, saying that he did not follow the nomination procedures.
The returning officer at Mtambwe had initially disqualified the ACT-Wazalendo candidate, but Dr Suleiman appealed to the National Electoral Commission.
Announcing the commission's decision, National Electoral Commission Chairman Judge George Joseph Kazi said the commission found that the evidence was insufficient and had decided to reverse the returning officer's decision.
Kazi said that the commission's decision is final and cannot be challenged in court. He instructed all candidates to continue with the election campaign procedures.
The election is set to be held on October 28, 2023, following the death of former representative Habib Mohammed (ACT-Wazalendo) on March 3, 2023.
