By Abubakar Famau in Zanzibar

The narrow streets of Stone Town in Zanzibar, Tanzania, are quieter as election campaigns draw to a close.

This follows a two-month busy campaign that saw 18 political parties participating in the upcoming October 29 election move between Zanzibar's two islands to sell their party manifestos.

Unlike on Tanzania's mainland, Zanzibar will hold an early vote on October 28, intended to give public servants a chance to exercise their constitutional right ahead of others.

Presidential election results will be announced within 72 hours of voting, according to Tanzania's Independent Electoral Commission.

Campaign pledges

Women voters account for 378,334 voters (53%) and men 339,223 (47%), according to Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) Director of Elections Thabit Idarous Faina.

Since campaigns started, candidates have made a series of pledges, from improving basic social services such as education and health to setting up a crocodile pond at the state house that would be used to deal with corrupt government officials.

Political analysts say that while some promises appeared real, others were simply unrealistic.

Now, 34 million registered voters will make their final decision through the ballot box.

Protests calls

So far, there are 17 presidential candidates from 17 political parties vying for the top job.

Unlike previous elections, this year's election comes amid calls for protest from those asking for constitutional reforms.

Tanzania's president, Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is the ruling party's presidential aspirant, has strongly condemned the planned protest, urging citizens to protect their country.

Police have also warned those intending to "disrupt peace" that they will face the law.