The Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) has applauded citizens and security agencies for their discipline and cooperation after early voting concluded peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 setting a positive tone ahead of the General Election scheduled for Wednesday.
The exercise, which took place from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., was conducted across 50 designated polling centers in both Unguja and Pemba.
It targeted election officials and security personnel who will be on duty during the main voting day, in accordance with the 2018 Election Act No. 4.
ZEC Chairperson Justice George Joseph Kazi described the process as “transparent, calm, and professionally managed,” noting that all eligible early voters were able to cast their ballots without major disruption.
“We are pleased with how the early voting exercise was conducted,” Justice Kazi said. “All polling stations used verified voter registers, and the environment remained peaceful throughout the day.”
He also commended the cooperation between election officials, political parties, and security forces, saying it reflected the growing maturity of Zanzibar’s democratic institutions.
“Our success today is a result of teamwork and adherence to the law,” he said. “We urge all Zanzibaris to carry the same spirit of peace and respect into the main election day.”
While most stations reported smooth operations, a few administrative challenges were noted. At the Kijitoupele polling station in Unguja, voting briefly began before the Permanent Voter Register was available.
ACT-Wazalendo’s candidate for Pangawe constituency, Omar Said Shaaban, who reported the incident, said ZEC quickly addressed the matter.
“After I raised the concern, the ZEC Chairperson intervened immediately and suspended the process until the register was brought in. Voting then resumed smoothly,” Shaaban told The Citizen.
Justice Kazi later confirmed the incident, saying the Commission had already taken steps to retrain the polling staff involved.
“We acknowledge that lapse, but it was rectified swiftly,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure no voter or party feels disadvantaged.”
Elsewhere, ACT-Wazalendo’s Malindi constituency candidate Ali Saleh alleged that non-residents had voted in his area, but Justice Kazi dismissed the claims as baseless.
“It is not possible for anyone who is not listed on the voter register to vote,” he emphasized. “Every voter is verified, and agents from political parties are present to monitor the process.”
Observers and candidates alike described the atmosphere as peaceful, with many praising the conduct of voters and security personnel.
ACT-Wazalendo’s candidate for Urusi Ward in Jang’ombe constituency, Ishaka Said Hussein, said this year’s election climate reflected significant progress.
“This time there is no intimidation or tension,” he said. “People are going about their lives normally, and that shows growing confidence in the process.”
Justice Kazi reaffirmed ZEC’s commitment to ensuring a fair and credible election, urging citizens to participate actively and peacefully in the main polls.
“We call upon all Zanzibaris to turn out in large numbers tomorrow,” he said. “Let us continue to demonstrate to the world that Zanzibar can conduct peaceful, transparent, and democratic elections.”
As the Isles prepare for the final vote, Tuesday’s orderly conduct of early voting stands as a promising signal for a calm and credible electoral process.