ZANZIBAR, July 29 -- WOMENs rights and leadership organisations are urging political parties across the country to nominate more qualified women for competitive leadership positions in the upcoming October 2025 General Election.

In a joint declaration, several civil society groups pressed parties to move beyond the traditional practice of nominating women solely for special seats.

They emphasised the crucial need to provide women with genuine opportunities to contend for constituency based positions in Parliament, the Zanzibar House of Representatives and local government councils.

“For too long, women have been sidelined to special seats, which limits their visibility and influence in competitive politics,” the statement r...