ZEC sets early voting dates, calls for applications
Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) senior leaders inspect election materials at district offices ahead of the October 29 polls across the country. PHOTO|JESSE MIKOFU
Under Section 82(2) of the Act, those eligible to vote early include individuals performing election duties such as election supervisors, assistant supervisors, polling officers, police officers, and members or staff of the commission.
Unguja. The Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) has invited applications from voters eligible for early voting in accordance with the provisions of the Elections Act No. 4 of 2018.
Under Section 82(2) of the Act, those eligible to vote early include individuals performing election duties such as election supervisors, assistant supervisors, polling officers, police officers, and members or staff of the commission.
A statement issued by ZEC on Thursday, October 9, 2025, said applications for early voting will be received from October 10, 2025, at district election offices where voters are registered.
The statement, signed by ZEC Director of Elections, Mr Thabit Idarous Faina, said applicants must complete an official form available from district election supervisors or download it from the commission’s website, www.zec.go.tz
Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) senior leaders inspect election materials at district offices ahead of the October 29 polls across the country. PHOTO|JESSE MIKOFU
“The applicant must indicate the constituency and polling station where they are registered. The deadline for submitting applications is October 18, 2025,” said Mr Faina.
Early voting in Zanzibar is provided for under Section 82(1) of the Elections Act, 2018, allowing eligible voters to cast ballots for the President of Zanzibar, Members of the House of Representatives, and Councillors.
For the 2025 General Election, early voting will take place on October 28, 2025, one day before the main polling day, in accordance with procedures set out in the 2025 Election Regulations (Sections 38–47) and as organised by the commission.
Meanwhile, ZEC has announced that all election materials required for the polls have been prepared and dispatched to district offices.
Speaking after an inspection tour, ZEC Chairperson Justice George Joseph Kazi directed district officials to safeguard all ballot materials under their custody to ensure their proper use during the forthcoming general election.
He said the commission has already distributed key materials to all district offices as part of preparations for the October 29, 2025, general election.
The materials include ballot boxes, vote-counting equipment, and other essential supplies for use on Election Day.
However, Justice Kazi said ballot papers and indelible ink were still in the final stages of preparation and would be delivered soon.
“The preparation process for these materials is nearly complete. What remains are the ballot papers and the special ink, which will arrive shortly,” he said.
Justice Kazi added that the commission has instituted strict measures to ensure the election is conducted transparently, freely, and peacefully, without logistical or technical challenges.
He emphasised accountability among commission staff, noting that proper management of election materials is crucial to a successful election.
“We want everything ready well in advance to avoid any inconvenience on polling day and ensure voters exercise their right smoothly,” he said.
During his tour, the ZEC Chairperson also inspected the security of warehouses storing election materials and urged district officials to maintain vigilance and safety at all times.
