Dar es Salaam. The Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) has approved 11 presidential candidates for the archipelago’s 2025 election, marking a significant development in the semi-autonomous territory’s preparations for the democratic exercise, which will take place from October 28 to 29.
ZEC chairperson Judge George Joseph Kazi announced the confirmed candidates during a certificate ceremony at the commission’s Maisara headquarters on Thursday, revealing that only 11 of the 17 politicians who collected nomination forms successfully met the stringent legal requirements.
The approved candidates include Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi from the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which has governed Zanzibar since the restoration of multi-party democracy in 1995, and Othman Masoud Othman from the opposition Alliance for Change and Transparency-Wazalendo (ACT-Wazalendo).
Other confirmed candidates are Juma Ali Khatib (ADA Tadea), Hamad Ibrahim Mohamed (UPDP), Ameir Hassan Ameir (Chama cha Makini), Said Soud (AAFP), and Ms Lela Rajab Khamis (NCCR-Mageuzi), alongside Hassan Juma Salum (TLP), Khamis Faki Mgau (NRA), Hamad Rashid (ADC), and Mfaume Khamis Hassan (NLD).
Zanzibar, an Indian Ocean archipelago comprising Unguja and Pemba islands with a population of approximately 1.9 million, operates under a unique arrangement within Tanzania’s union structure.
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The territory maintains its own president, House of Representatives, and electoral system, whilst remaining part of the United Republic of Tanzania for matters concerning foreign affairs, defence, and monetary policy.
The commission rejected one candidate from the Civic United Front (CUF), once Zanzibar’s main opposition party, for failing to meet the established criteria. Five political parties—CCK, DP, SAU, UMD, and UDP—failed to return their nomination forms altogether.
Judge Kazi emphasised that the ACT-Wazalendo candidate was confirmed despite initial sponsorship concerns after the commission verified he had secured the legally required minimum number of supporters across all regions—a testament to the party’s growing influence since its formation in 2014.
ZEC announced it would provide each candidate with a vehicle, driver, and security guard throughout the campaign period, while covering all fuel and maintenance costs.
“We want to ensure every candidate has an equal environment to campaign fairly, freely, and safely,” Judge Kazi stated, adding that the vehicles must be returned following the election.
The candidates received their nomination certificates in accordance with Section 57(1) of Election Law No. 4 of 2018 and are authorised to begin campaigning from midday on 11 September 2025.
Judge Kazi commended the political parties for their cooperation during the nomination process and urged candidates to conduct “civilised campaigns that prioritise peace, electoral ethics, and the dignity of Zanzibaris.” His remarks reflect ongoing concerns about political tensions that have historically characterised elections in the archipelago.
The 2025 election comes at a crucial juncture for Zanzibar, as the territory grapples with economic challenges, including youth unemployment, infrastructure development needs, and the recovery of its tourism-dependent economy following the global pandemic.
“The commission will continue to closely monitor all election activities to ensure citizens get leaders elected fairly and transparently,” Judge Kazi emphasised, signalling ZEC’s commitment to conducting credible polls that meet international standards.
The election represents a test of Zanzibar’s democratic institutions and could significantly impact the archipelago’s political trajectory as it seeks to balance autonomy with union obligations whilst addressing pressing socio-economic challenges.
