ZANZIBAR, Sept 12 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — THE Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) has confirmed 11 presidential candidates out of 17 who collected nomination forms, having met the legal requirements under the Elections Act.
Announcing the decision at the commission’s headquarters in Maisara, ZEC Chairperson Justice George Joseph Kazi said each approved candidate will receive a campaign vehicle, a driver and a security officer, with the commission covering fuel, maintenance and related costs throughout the campaign period.
“Our aim is to ensure all candidates operate in a free, fair and secure environment. Once the election concludes, the vehicles will be returned,” Justice Kazi said.
The cleared candidates are Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi (CCM), Othman Masoud Othman (ACT Wazalendo), Juma Ali Khatib (ADA Tadea), Hamad Ibrahim Mohamed (UPDP), Ameir Hassan Ameir (Chama cha Makini) and Said Soud Said (AAFP).
Others include Lela Rajab Khamis (NCCRMageuzi), Hassan Juma Salum (TLP), Khamis Faki Mgau (NRA), Hamad Rashid Mohamed (ADC) and Mfaume Khamis Hassan (NLD).
Of the 17 aspirants, five did not return their nomination forms, while one, representing CUF, was disqualified for failing to meet the nomination criteria. Political parties that did not return forms include CCK, DP, SAU, UMD and UDP.
Although the ACT Wazalendo candidate faced some disputes over his nominators, ZEC confirmed his candidacy after verifying that he had secured the minimum required number of valid supporters in each region.
Following the issuance of official nomination certificates in accordance with Section 57(1) of the Elections Act No. 4 of 2018, the 11 candidates were allowed to launch their campaigns from 6:00 p.m. on Sept 11, 2025.
Justice Kazi commended all political parties for their cooperation during the nomination process and urged candidates to run peaceful, respectful and law-abiding campaigns.
“The Commission will continue to closely supervise the electoral process to ensure Zanzibaris elect their leaders in a fair, transparent and credible manner,” he said. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
