THE Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) is set to register 78,922 new voters who have turned 18, based on the 2022 Population and Housing Census, in the second phase of the voter registration process for the 2025 General Election.

ZEC Chairperson, Judge George Kazi, during the opening a stakeholders meeting regarding the second phase of the 2025 voter registration, held at the Zanzibar House of Representatives in Wete, Pemba.

Kazi noted that the registration exercise will commence in the Micheweni District on February 1, 2025, and will conclude in the Mjini District on March 17, 2025. He further emphasized that this registration is the final step in preparation for the 2025 General Election.

“The purpose of this registration is to prepare for the 2025 General Election, and it represents the last phase of voter registration ahead of that election,” Judge Kazi said.

The meeting aimed to discuss and gather feedback on the upcoming voter registration process. 

ZEC has established a protocol for engaging stakeholders whenever important issues arise, seeking their input to enhance the efficiency of the registration exercise.

Kazi urged eligible citizens to take part in the process, asserting that it is their constitutional right to participate in the election. 

He reminded them that the registration services are available at ZEC offices across the districts during working hours.

“I encourage eligible citizens to exercise their right to register and participate in the 2025 election. The registration offices are open for services during working hours, and I urge everyone to come forward,” he said.

The ZEC Chairperson also called on all stakeholders and the public to maintain peace throughout the registration period, as has been achieved in Pemba, and expressed hope that this cooperation would continue to ensure a smooth electoral process.

During the meeting, Thabit Idarous Faina, the Director of Elections at ZEC, provided an update on the registration process and the maintenance of the permanent voter register. 

He disclosed that ZEC plans to release a list of voters who have lost eligibility or have updated their information, as outlined in Sections 19 and 31 of the Election Act No. 4 of 2018. The list will be made available during the second phase of voter registration.

Faina also highlighted that ZEC continues to offer mobile SMS services, allowing voters to check their registration status using any registered mobile network in Tanzania, free of charge.

“We encourage all citizens and stakeholders to help spread the word about the registration process. It is crucial that eligible voters bring their Zanzibar Resident Identification cards to the registration centers,” Faina said.

Maulid Ame Mohammed, the Head of Legal Services at ZEC, reiterated the importance of legal compliance in the voter registration process. According to the Zanzibar Constitution of 1984, all citizens who have reached the age of 18 have the right to register and vote in elections.

At the conclusion of the meeting, ZEC Commissioner, Hon. Awadh Ali Said, urged stakeholders to understand their roles and responsibilities and to be honest in addressing challenges that may arise during the registration process. He stressed that the exercise must be carried out efficiently and peacefully.

Juma Kombo Hijja, a coordinator from Zanzibar Association Of The Disabled, advised political parties to encourage voters using respectful language that promotes peace, warning that provocative statements could deter disabled individuals from participating in the registration process.

The meeting was attended by various election stakeholders, including government and private institutions, political parties, special interest groups, security agencies, and media representatives.