ZANZIBAR, Sept. 10 -- FOR the first time in Zanzibars history, women are poised to appear on the presidential ballot. In both the 2015 and 2020 general elections, no female candidates contested the Isles highest office. But 2025 is shaping up to be different.

During the three days (August 30, 31 and September 01) of collecting nomination forms at the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) offices in Maisara, three women were among the 17 hopefuls who picked up papers to vie for the presidency. They are Ms Laila Rajab Khamis of NCCR-Mageuzi, Ms Isha Salim Hamad of the CCK party and Ms Naima Salum Hamad of the United Democratic Party (UDP).

If cleared by ZEC, their names and photographs will appear on the October ballot, a milestone moment i...