ZEC forms ethics body ahead of 2025 polls

ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) has established a National Electoral Ethics Committee to promote transparency and national unity in the lead-up to the 2025 General Election.

The committee will oversee adherence to electoral conduct and enhance collaboration among key stakeholders.

The launch ceremony, held at the Commission’s District Office in West B, Mwera, Unguja, was officiated by ZEC Vice-Chairperson, Justice Aziza Suwedi. It was attended by representatives from political parties, government agencies and the media.

Justice Suwedi said that the creation of the committee is grounded in the Elections Act No. 4 of 2018 and is part of broader efforts to involve stakeholders in shaping effective electoral guidelines and preventing misconduct throughout the electoral process.

“This committee serves as a vital link between election stakeholders, security and defence institutions and the general public. Our aim is to ensure adherence to ethical conduct, especially during campaigns, to maintain peace and avoid societal divisions,” she said.

Committee member Mr Khamis Mbeto, who is also the Secretary of the NEC Special Committee under the CCM Zanzibar Ideology and Publicity Department, said the forthcoming electoral code will guide the entire election process.

He urged political actors to support and uphold the code once it is agreed upon and signed. He also commended the initiative as a firm step towards accountability and addressing electoral challenges.

Meanwhile, Mr Ali Makame Issa, Vice-Chairperson of ADA-TADEA and Ameir Hassan Ameir, Secretary General of the Demokrasia MAKINI party, praised the meeting as a positive indication of commitment to ethical election conduct.

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They stressed that all parties must work together to ensure peaceful and unified elections in the interest of the nation.

The launch of the committee marks the beginning of an inclusive process to develop a code of electoral conduct for the 2025 polls, as mandated by the ZEC Act. The finalised code will be ratified by political parties before the official start of the election campaigns.