Zanzibar opposition party to protect victory

By Our Correspondent, ZANZIBAR

The Alliance for Change and Transparency-Wazalendo flag bearer in the Zanzibar Presidential election, Seif Shariff Hamad yesterday picked up nomination forms from the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC), calling for a level playing field for all political parties.

The former Chief Minister and First Vice-President promised to set out his priorities for his election bid after being endorsed by the electoral body to contest for the top position in the state.

“This time around, we will protect our votes to ensure our victory is not stolen as it has been the case in previous general elections,” he said, addressing party followers at ACT - Wazalendo offices in Vuga, Unguja. 

Soon after being handed the presidential candidacy forms by ZEC Chairman Retired Chief Justice Hamid Mahmoud Hamid, Maalim Seif questioned the pre-poll voting schedule for October 27.

He was concerned that the pre-poll voting on October 27 was irrelevant since the people will again vote for the Zanzibar President, members of the House of Representatives and ward councillors the following day.

Responding, the ZEC chairman insisted that the pre-poll voting cannot be avoided since it is stated in the relevant legislation.

The ACT Wazalendo candidate called upon religious leaders to promote peace throughout the period of campaigns to facilitate a peaceful general election.

He expressed surprise that the National Electoral Commission (NEC) had announced some candidates from CCM as elected unopposed while there are other contestants from various political parties including ACT - Wazalendo who are vying for the same positions.

Following ‘mass disqualification’ of opposition parties’ candidates, Hamad said that their supporters cannot agree to sit back while their democratic rights are being taken away by force.

“Enough is enough, be prepared for mass action.” He said of party members being barred from the race adding that struggle needs perseverance; it needs commitment and determination.

So far 13 presidential aspirants have picked up forms from ZEC to collect guarantor signatures from various regions.