MWE Correspondent
After 46 days of spirited campaigning, political parties in Zanzibar have officially wrapped up their rallies ahead of the highly anticipated elections.
The campaign period ended on Monday, October 27, 2025, clearing the way for early voting to start Today , Tuesday 28, before the main polls on Wednesday 29 October.
According to the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC), a total of 717,557 voters have been registered to take part in this year’s elections. Of that number, women make up 53 percent (378,334), while men account for 47 percent (339,223).
ZEC’s Director of Elections, Thabit Idarous Faina, said the majority of voters are young people aged between 18 and 35 years—representing 45 percent of the total electorate. Another 42 percent are between 36 and 59 years old, while 13 percent are 60 and above.
In line with the Election Act No. 4 of 2018, early voting is reserved for election officers, security personnel, and supervisors who will be on duty during the main polling day. This process allows them to fulfill their duties without missing their civic responsibility.
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Mr Faina explained that each constituency will have one early voting centre, making a total of 50 centres—32 in Unguja and 18 in Pemba. Across these, there will be 407 polling stations covering all 388 Shehias, along with additional ones where needed.
For the general election on October 29, the Commission has designated 1,752 polling stations—1,294 in Unguja and 458 in Pemba—to accommodate all registered voters.
This year’s election marks a pivotal moment for Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region within Tanzania, as citizens prepare to elect their president, members of the House of Representatives, parliamentarians, and local council leaders. The polls are part of the wider 2025 Tanzanian general election, drawing regional and international attention.
Observers say the process has been largely peaceful so far, though they continue to emphasize the need for transparency, fairness, and inclusive participation—especially among youth and first-time voters.
