Dar es Salaam – The parliamentary election for the Fuoni Constituency in Zanzibar has been officially suspended following the death of the ruling party’s candidate, Abass Ali Mwinyi.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the suspension on Thursday, invoking electoral laws that mandate a halt to the process upon the death of a candidate.
Abass Ali Mwinyi, who was the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) flagbearer for the Fuoni seat and the brother of Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, passed away on Thursday at the Lumumba Regional Referral Hospital. He is scheduled to be buried on Friday in Mangapwani.
In a statement, Miraji Mwadini Haji, the Election Supervisor for the Fuoni Constituency, confirmed that the commission acted after formal notification from CCM-Zanzibar. The decision is based on Section 71(1) of the 2024 elections law.
“Accordingly, the parliamentary election in the Fuoni Constituency, West B District, Zanzibar, is suspended effective today, September 25, 2025,” the statement read.
The commission outlined the next steps, noting that a new election timetable will be published in the Government Gazette. All previously nominated candidates will remain in the race unless they formally withdraw. However, all campaign activities in the constituency are prohibited until CCM selects a new candidate.
In a gesture of respect and solidarity, ACT-Wazalendo, the main opposition party and a partner in the Isles government, also suspended its campaign activities. The party cancelled a public rally and other events scheduled for Thursday.
“Considering humanity, solidarity, and human dignity, ACT-Wazalendo has decided to suspend political activities in that area,” said Salim Biman, the party’s Secretary for Information and Public Communications.
The move allows family, relatives, and citizens to mourn and participate in the funeral without the disruption of political campaigns.
Following the news, President Hussein Mwinyi cut short his official engagements in Pemba and returned to Unguja to prepare for his brother’s funeral.
