Tanzania's ruling CCM urges opposition ACT to respect Zanzibar's two-day voting schedule

Unguja. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party in Zanzibar has called on the opposition ACT Wazalendo to respect the legal procedures surrounding the two-day voting schedule for the upcoming general elections, asserting that the current system fully complies with the law.

ACT Wazalendo, led by National Chairman Othman Masoud, has strongly opposed the two-day election process, arguing that it is unnecessary and should be reconsidered. Masoud, who also serves as Zanzibar's First Vice President, reiterated his party’s stance at a recent public meeting, stressing that ACT is not prepared to participate in the two-day election.

In the 2020 elections, voting in Zanzibar was held over two days: the first day was reserved for public servants, including government employees, security personnel, and electoral commission officials, while the second day was for the general public.

“If people are confident, they should respect the constitution and head to the polling stations, where the ballot boxes will determine the outcome,” Masoud said.

However, CCM's Khamis Mbeto, the Secretary of the Special Committee for Ideology, Propaganda, and Training, challenged ACT's position, calling it surprising and unfounded. Speaking to journalists at CCM's Zanzibar headquarters on November 18, Mbeto reminded ACT that the two-day voting process is enshrined in law under the Election Act No. 4 of 2018.

 Specifically, Article 82 addresses the early voting process, while Article 15 mandates the registration process and appointment of party agents, and Article 75 governs the overall voting procedures.

“If ACT is not ready for the election process as it stands, they should take the matter up with the House of Representatives to propose an amendment to the law,” Mbeto said. “But making inflammatory statements that disrupt the peace is not the right approach.”

Mbeto emphasized that the law is clear and that no one, not even the president, has the authority to change it outside of the proper legislative channels. He stressed that legal matters must be resolved through the House, not through public declarations or political pressure.

The CCM spokesperson explained that the two-day voting schedule was specifically designed to ensure that all registered voters, including election officials, have an opportunity to vote in the areas where they are registered. “Election officials vote on the first day before going on to supervise the voting process in other areas,” he said.

However, Mbeto made it clear that CCM is open to complying with any changes to the law, should the government or legislature decide to eliminate the early voting process. “We will respect any legal changes, but we will not break the constitution to accommodate the wishes of a few individuals,” he said.

Mbeto also pointed out that the two-day voting system is not unique to Zanzibar, noting that other countries, such as the United States, New Zealand, South Africa, and Spain, also follow similar practices. He added that CCM would not tolerate any violent behavior, as such actions could incite unrest and division within the community.

In response to ACT's accusation that CCM fears the election, Mbeto expressed confidence in the party’s position. “We are more confident than ever before because of the work that Dr. Mwinyi has done for the people of Zanzibar. His leadership has brought significant progress, and that is why some are looking for excuses. With the visible progress made, we believe that Dr. Mwinyi will win by a landslide—no less than 85 percent—because what the people want is development.”

Mbeto concluded by urging political parties to prioritize the interests of Zanzibar. “Political parties come and go, but Zanzibar will remain. We must all protect it with the utmost care.”