Isles’ presidential candidates return forms to ZEC

THE Islands’ main rival presidential candidates, Dr Ali Mohamed Shein (CCM) and Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad (CUF)

THE Islands’ main rival presidential candidates, Dr Ali Mohamed Shein (CCM) and Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad (CUF), presented their presidential nomination forms to the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) on Saturday ahead of the launch of political campaigns for Isles elections on Sunday.

Mr Hamad was the first to submit his fully signed forms to ZEC Chairman, Mr Jecha Salim Jecha, at the commission offices at Bwawani Hotel, followed by CCM candidate, Dr Shein.

Both candidates maintained low profile as they drove to the ZEC offices to submit the forms. They were accompanied by few senior representatives from their respective political parties.

After handing in the forms, Mr Hamad called for ZEC to remain impartial during the whole process of election particularly counting, tallying and announcement of results, to reflect the will of voters.Dr Shein called for Zanzibaris to put their confidence in the electoral commission and that all people registered as voters will have the chance to cast their votes.

“We all need to maintain peace and stability throughout elections time and beyond,” he insisted. In separate meeting with fans at CCM sub-head office at Kisiwandui after submitting his forms, Dr Shein asked his party members and fans to campaign peacefully.

Mr Juma Ali Khatib, TADEA’s Zanzibar presidential candidate was the third to submit the forms and later called for political tolerance during campaigns and losers to show maturity in democracy by accepting defeat. Only three candidates had submitted their forms by noon on Saturday.



Zanzibar presidential aspirants who are supposed to meet the today’s deadline are Mr Said Soud Said (AFP), Mr Mohammed Masoud Rashid (CHAUMMA), Mr Hamad Rashid Mohammed (ADC), Mr Abdallah Kombo Khamis (DP) and Mr Tabu Mussa Juma from Demokrasia Makini (DM). Others are Mr Kassim Bakar Ali (Jahazi Asilia), Mr Khamis Iddi Lila (ACT-Wazalendo), Mr Issa Mohamed Zonga (SAU) and the only female candidate, Ms Mwajuma Ali Khamis (UPDP).