In the heart of Zanzibar's vibrant Isles, a pivotal moment in democracy unfolded with early voting wrapping up smoothly, yet not without a few intriguing hiccups that have voters and watchers alike buzzing.
But here's where it gets controversial—while most folks celebrated a peaceful process, some political contenders raised eyebrows over potential slip-ups, sparking debates about just how fair and flawless our elections truly are. Let's dive into the details of this unfolding story from Unguja, where the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) oversaw early voting that concluded on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. For beginners wondering what early voting entails, think of it as a special opportunity for key players like election officials and security personnel—who'll be busy on the main voting day—to cast their ballots ahead of time. This ensures everyone involved in safeguarding the process can participate without missing out, all governed by the 2018 Election Act No. 4, which outlines these provisions clearly to maintain order and integrity.
The day kicked off at 7:00 am and wound down by 4:00 pm, with voting happening in 50 designated centers spread across both Unguja and Pemba islands. ZEC hailed the turnout as orderly and peaceful overall, painting a picture of calm efficiency. Yet, as often happens in high-stakes events like this, a few candidates spotlighted administrative glitches that could leave you wondering: are these minor blips or signs of deeper issues? And this is the part most people miss—these complaints didn't derail the whole operation, but they highlight the human element in elections, where even the best plans can face unexpected twists.
Take Omar Said Shaaban, the ACT-Wazalendo candidate for the Pangawe constituency. He pointed out a notable incident at the Kijitoupele polling station, where voting began without the Permanent Voter Register—a crucial tool that lists eligible voters and helps verify identities, much like checking a guest list at a party to ensure only invited folks join in. In the morning rush, polling officers lacked this register, so voters were allowed to participate without that essential check. Shaaban didn't hesitate to flag it, reaching out to ZEC's Chairperson, who swiftly intervened by pausing the process until the register arrived. Once resolved, everything resumed smoothly, demonstrating how quick responses can turn potential problems into learning opportunities.
But wait, that wasn't the end of the concerns. Shaaban also voiced worries about rumors that non-residents—people not actually living in the area—might have voted in some spots. This allegation was echoed by Ali Saleh, another ACT-Wazalendo candidate from the Malindi constituency, who claimed that numerous voters at the Haile Selassie polling center didn't seem to be local residents. For those new to election talk, imagine this like someone showing up to a neighborhood meeting who lives blocks away; it could tilt the balance if not properly managed.
ZEC Chairperson Justice George Joseph Kazi addressed these head-on, acknowledging a brief lapse at Kijitoupele but emphasizing the Commission's swift action. "Yes, polling started without the register initially," he explained, "but we stopped it right away, brought in the voter list, and got things back on track. We'll follow up with the officers for some extra training to prevent this in the future." On the non-resident accusations, Kazi firmly refuted them as unfounded, explaining that the system is designed to prevent such issues: every voter must be on the publicly displayed roll, verified before voting, with party agents watching every step to ensure transparency—think of it as having trusted referees at a game to call out any fouls.
He also clarified why polling stations aren't inside military barracks, tying it back to the law: "The rules ban political activities in military camps to keep things neutral and safe. Armed forces members vote at their home polling places, just like everyday citizens." This setup promotes fairness, avoiding any perception of favoritism, and it's a good example of how legal safeguards protect the democratic process.
Despite these scattered complaints, the vibe was overwhelmingly positive. Candidates and observers noted a stark contrast to past elections—no threats or violence this time around. Ishaka Said Hussein, ACT-Wazalendo's candidate for the Urusi Ward in Jang'ombe constituency, shared with The Citizen how this year's early voting felt refreshingly different: "People are going about their lives without the usual fear or tension—it's a real step forward." Justice Kazi gave props to the security teams for keeping everything secure and well-run, declaring the process "peaceful and transparent." He highlighted how every station relied on the official, agent-verified register, ensuring registered early voters could participate without hassle.
As we look ahead, Kazi urged Zanzibaris to show up in droves for the main general election on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, and to keep that same spirit of calm. "Vote peacefully, everyone," he encouraged. "ZEC is dedicated to delivering a transparent, credible, and fair election."
And this is the part where opinions diverge: Were these complaints just overblown nitpicks in an otherwise stellar operation, or do they hint at vulnerabilities that could undermine trust? Some might argue that elections thrive on scrutiny, turning small issues into chances for improvement—after all, isn't democracy about questioning and refining? Others could counter that such allegations, even if debunked, sow unnecessary doubt. What do you think—do minor glitches like these strengthen or weaken the electoral system? Share your thoughts in the comments below: Agree that ZEC handled it well, or disagree and suggest what could be done better? Let's keep the conversation going!
