Africa-Press – Tanzania. ACT-WAZALENDO presidential candidate, Othman Masoud Othman, has officially collected nomination forms from the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC), pledging to conduct a peaceful and issue-based campaign.
Speaking to journalists shortly after receiving the forms at ZEC headquarters in Maisara and later at the party’s offices in Vuga, Othman said they would conduct peaceful campaigns and called upon all people in Zanzibar to support them in safeguarding peace and stability.
“Our position remains clear, we continue to reject early voting, but we will not boycott the election,” said Othman.
ZEC has set October 28, 2025, as the date for early voting by members of security forces and ZEC officials, who will be on duty during the October 29 General Election.
Mr Othman pledged to centre his campaign on issues affecting ordinary Zanzibaris, particularly the preservation of historical sites and cultural heritage, which he says the current administration has neglected.
He thanked supporters for their continued loyalty and urged them to deliver victory for ACT-Wazalendo, promising better governance and inclusive leadership.
Other candidates picked up the forms include, ADATADEA presidential candidate Juma Ali Khatib.
He collected his nomination forms but made headlines by endorsing CCM candidate Dr Hussein Mwinyi, citing the incumbent’s ‘strong performance’ over the past five years.
“Dr Mwinyi has demonstrated leadership, and I believe supporting his re-election is in the best interest of Zanzibar,” Khatib stated.
Other presidential candidates have outlined a range of policy proposals. Naima Salum Hamad (UDP) advocates for the rights of women, children and people with special needs, while Ameir Hassan Ameir (DemokrasiaMakini) has pledged a monthly allowance of 500,000/- to every Zanzibari if elected.
On his part, Hamad Ibrahim Mohammed (UPDP) promised constitutional reforms, a chief ministerial system and the construction of nuclear power plants on Unguja and Pemba.
Mr Hamad Rashid Mohammed (ADC) said his party prioritises food self-sufficiency, value addition to export crops like cloves and seaweed and public asset declarations for government officials.
Mr Shafii Hassan Suleiman of (DP) said the party focuses on peace, job creation through industrial development and supports early voting to accommodate citizens with unavoidable obligations on election day.
Several other presidential hopefuls also collected their forms over the weekend, as the nomination exercise continues. The process, which began last week, runs until September 10, a day before official campaigns begin.
Those who have received nomination forms include Ms Laila Rajab Khamis (NCCRMageuzi), Ms Isha Salim Hamad (CCK) and Mr Ali Mwalimu Abdalla (SAU).
ZEC Chairman Justice George Joseph Kazi confirmed that nomination forms have been issued to 17 registered political parties, as per Section 46 of the Zanzibar Elections Act No. 4 of 2018.
“This process promotes transparency, accountability and integrity in the electoral process,” Justice Kazi said, adding that nomination day is set for September 11, with campaigns officially beginning at 4:01 p.m. the same day.
Justice Kazi urged all aspirants to fill out the forms carefully and assured them of technical support from ZEC if needed.
The campaign season is expected to be vibrant and competitive as Zanzibar prepares for a pivotal election.
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