ZANZIBAR, Aug 31 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — ZANZIBAR witnessed colourful celebrations on Saturday as Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) presidential candidate, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, officially collected his nomination papers from the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) at Maisara grounds.
Dr Mwinyi received the forms at around 11:00 am from ZEC Chairman Justice George Joseph Kazi, accompanied by the Commission’s Director, Thabit Idarous Faina, who outlined procedures for returning the completed documents before the Sept 10 deadline.
“I am grateful, and I am ready to follow the instructions,” Dr Mwinyi said after the brief ceremony.
Addressing thousands of jubilant supporters, Dr Mwinyi declared that he was ready for a “civilized, peaceful and issue-based campaign,” urging rival parties to do the same.
“Zanzibaris want development, not insults. We must protect our peace and stability by focusing on policies, not abusive or divisive language,” he said.
He added that CCM’s campaign, set to launch officially on September 13, will emphasize unity and highlight achievements in delivering the party’s election manifesto.
Dr Mwinyi expressed confidence of a resounding CCM victory in the October polls, citing the government’s success in implementing its manifesto over the past five years.
“I have no doubt about our victory. We have fulfilled 100 percent of our commitments in key strategic areas, and we have united our people,” he said.
He also used the occasion to thank various groups—including teachers from Pemba, the CCM women’s wing (UWT), boda boda and bajaji operators from Unguja and Pemba, and retired party leaders—who contributed funds to support him in collecting the nomination forms.
CCM’s National Youth Wing (UVCCM) Chairperson, Mohamed Kawaida, echoed the confidence, saying the party’s National Executive Committee unanimously endorsed Dr Mwinyi because of his strong record of delivering the manifesto in Zanzibar.
From ZEC, Dr Mwinyi’s motorcade drove through Kilimani, Kariakoo, Rahaleo and Michenzani to CCM’s Kisiwandui headquarters, where he paid tribute at the grave of Zanzibar’s founding President, Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, signed the visitors’ book, and met senior party elders.
The festivities later shifted to the Mao Zedong (Mousetoung) grounds, where Mwinyi was welcomed with brass band music, prayers, cultural performances, and speeches from CCM leaders.
While CCM concluded its nomination exercise with pomp, other presidential hopefuls also collected their forms from ZEC. They include Mfaume Khamis Hassan (NLD), Said Soud (AAFP), Hamad Massoud Hamad (CUF), Hussein Juma Salum (TLP), and Khamis Faki Mgau (NRA). — NNN-DAILYNEWS
