Zanzibar Presidential Race: Nomination Challenges Emerge as Election Deadline Approaches
In a critical development for the upcoming Zanzibar elections, multiple political parties have encountered significant obstacles during the nomination process for the presidential race.
Five political parties – Chama Cha Kijamii (CCK), Union for Multiparty Democracy (UMD), Sauti ya Umma (SAU), United Democratic Party (UDP), and Democratic Party (DP) – failed to return their nomination forms by the Wednesday deadline.
The Civic United Front (CUF) also faces challenges, unable to secure the mandatory 200 eligible sponsors across Zanzibar’s five regions. Additionally, ACT-Wazalendo was flagged for administrative irregularities, specifically concerning sponsor membership documentation.
Electoral authorities extended the nomination process until 5pm on Thursday, giving parties a final opportunity to rectify their submissions. The electoral commission emphasized the importance of proper documentation and verification.
By September 1, 17 presidential candidates had initially collected nomination forms, with six candidates submitting on the first day and five more before the deadline.
Candidates who successfully submitted nominations presented diverse campaign promises. The incumbent party’s candidate emphasized maintaining peace and stability, while other nominees proposed ambitious economic and social reforms, including:
– Monthly allowances for citizens
– Minimum wage increases
– Governance restructuring
– Agricultural development
– Employment creation
– Industrial expansion
The nomination outcomes will determine which of the 17 aspirants will advance to the campaign trail before the October 29 General Election, marking a pivotal moment in Zanzibar’s democratic process.
