The Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) has received ballot papers ahead of the general election scheduled to take place in Zanzibar on October 28 and 29 this year — marking the completion of all key logistical preparations for the polls.

Speaking at the Commission’s headquarters in Maisara on October 19, 2025, ZEC Director of Elections Thabit Idarous Faina said the arrival of the ballot papers represents a major milestone in the election preparations, confirming that the Commission is now fully ready to proceed smoothly and efficiently with the remaining stages of the process.

Faina said the ballot papers were printed following a competitive tender process that involved four experienced companies: Lebone Litho Printers (PTY) LTD of Johannesburg, Uniprinter of Durban in South Africa, China Electronics Shenzhen Company (CES) of China, and the Zanzibar Government Printing Agency (ZGP).

“The procurement was conducted through a restricted tender, which is not publicly advertised but instead targets specific qualified bidders according to established institutional criteria and standards,” Faina said.

He added that the printing exercise cost TSh 908,327,300, which is below the allocated budget of TSh 1,245,592,000, resulting in savings of over TSh 300 million without compromising the quality of the work.

Representatives of political parties present during the process commended ZEC for maintaining transparency throughout the preparations, saying their involvement at every stage had strengthened trust and confidence in the Commission’s operations.

ACT Wazalendo party lawyer Omar Said Shabani said election preparations are progressing well following the arrival of the ballot papers.

“We wish the Commission all the best as it continues with the process,” he said.

On his part, Omar Ibrahimu Kilupi, CCM’s Zanzibar Organization Secretary, expressed confidence that the upcoming election would be peaceful, free, and fair.

“To be honest, we are very satisfied with what we’ve witnessed today — everything has been received properly at this warehouse,” Kilupi said.