“The unqualified persons mainly the
deceased were identified following a one-week verification exercise
through display, during which people were asked to identify and appeal
against the unwanted names,” ZEC Directorm Mr Salum Kassim said at a
press conference held in his office at Maisara, yesterday.
He told reporters that during the period
between December 5 and December 11, people in their respective areas
were asked to verify their data alongside raising concerns over
unqualified persons and legal process to delete them follows.
“The verification exercise was
successful as ZEC staff, including commissioners from rival political
parties have been working as a team,” Mr Ali stated, dismissing as
baseless reports that the electoral commission staff were divided.
Three commissioners out of seven are
from the opposition parties – UPDP - one and CUF - two, but the latter,
following the nullification of general elections in October 2015 due to
irregularities, came out in the open to reject the invalidation and the
repeat of the elections in March 2016 which CUF boycotted.
“So far, we have been going all well,
working as a team including in our regular meetings, contrary to what is
being spoken on streets,” the ZEC director informed reporters.
However, with the views that the law
regarding the appointment of ZEC commissioners needs review. He said it
is in accordance with the the Zanzibar constitution that ZEC
commissioners include from the opposition parties.
“But I think review of the process is necessary to minimise personal interest and make the body stronger.”
Meanwhile, the director said civic
by-election for Ndagoni Ward in Pemba is scheduled for January 18, 2017.
The election follows the death of the ward’s councillor, the late Juma
Ali Kombo, who passed away on April 3.
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