ZEC, Peace Committee guide candidates on peaceful elections

Unguja. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, candidates for representative positions were brought together to receive guidance on conducting campaigns and participating in the general election peacefully, aiming to prevent unrest and violence.

Following the completion of nominations for presidential and representative candidates, the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC), in collaboration with the National Peace Committee, conducted training sessions for candidates.

ZEC confirmed that all materials required for the upcoming general election have been procured, with the exception of ballot papers, which are expected within a week.

The training, held on Friday, September 12, 2025, targeted candidates for constituency and special women’s seats.

Although ZEC’s timetable allows campaigns to begin on September 11, 2025, political parties are scheduled to start their campaigns on September 13, 2025.

During the session, ZEC’s Election Director, Mr Thabiti Idarous Faina, said all preparations were complete and urged candidates to cooperate with the commission to avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary complaints.

Mr Faina stated that 725,879 voters had been registered, though the figure includes some ineligible individuals who are yet to be removed from the register.

So far, 3,352 people have been identified as ineligible, and ZEC continues the verification process; the final count of eligible voters will be announced on September 19, 2025.

He added that candidates have seven days from their nomination to submit declarations, with the period ending on September 19. Any candidate wishing to campaign must do so within this timeframe.

While some candidates welcomed the process, they noted potential challenges once campaigning begins.

“Our senior leaders pose for pictures and enjoy themselves, yet elsewhere, people are fighting and making baseless statements. We must use this example as a guide,” said CCM’s Hamza Hassan Juma.

Mr Ali Saleh from ACT Wazalendo emphasised the need to train the Special Security Forces (SMZ) rather than intimidate the public, as their presence can create fear among citizens.

Ms Hamida Abdalla from CUF praised the initiative for bringing candidates together and ensuring a shared understanding of maintaining peace during elections.

Secretary of the Zanzibar Council of Churches, Pastor Timothy Philemon Kalenga, stressed that public officials must remain accountable to citizens, warning that some lose focus once in office.

“Many of us will kneel in prayer today, yet once in power, some forget even to answer calls. You must remember your duty to the citizens who entrusted you,” he said.

Sheikh Shaaban Batash from the Office of the Mufti of Zanzibar said candidates must ensure peace before, during, and after elections.

“We are responsible for educating citizens on resolving differences intellectually and peacefully, not through intimidation or chaos,” he said, urging candidates to denounce violence and prioritise community welfare over individual interests.

Earlier, ZEC Legal Services Director Maulid Mohamed highlighted the responsibility of political parties to protect the participation of special groups, follow election guidelines, and ensure free and fair campaigns.

“Political parties must respect all candidates, including women and people with disabilities, and adhere to campaign timelines,” he said, adding that the commission must operate transparently, providing information and clarifications to all parties and promptly addressing complaints of ethical violations by staff.

Government agencies were reminded to provide equal services to all parties and take legal action against any violators.

State employees are prohibited from engaging in politics in public offices, and government media must provide equal coverage to all candidates.

ZEC Chairman Justice George Joseph Kazi said this year’s candidate selection process had gone smoothly, with no major objections, and no candidate was disqualified due to challenges.