Zanzibar president Hussein Ali Mwinyi has secured a second term in office after winning the 2025 presidential election on the islands. Zanzibar president Hussein Ali Mwinyi delivers his speech at a past event. On Thursday, October 30, the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) made a declaration, announcing Mwinyi’s landslide victory. According to BBC Swahili, ZEC chairperson George Joseph Kazi stated that Mwinyi, the candidate of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, garnered 74.8% of the total votes cast, defeating ten opposition candidates. The voter turnout stood at an impressive 88% across the semi-autonomous islands, reflecting strong public engagement in one of the region’s most closely watched elections. Mwinyi’s victory extends CCM’s uninterrupted dominance in Zanzibar politics since independence. His re-election solidifies the ruling party’s grip on both the mainland and the archipelago at a time when Tanzania’s national results are still being tallied. Mwinyi pledges unity and reform In a speech broadcast live shortly after the official announcement, Mwinyi struck a conciliatory tone. He called for unity among political rivals and urged all parties to prioritise the national interest. “Let us forget the past and open a new chapter of rebuilding the archipelago,” he said, emphasising his intent to champion reforms. Flanked by First Lady Mariam Mwinyi, the president thanked voters for their trust and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening governance and boosting Zanzibar’s growth. The head of state said his second term would focus on consolidating gains made during his first administration. READ ALSO Ruth Odinga warns ODM members against chanting ‘Tutam’ slogan: Won’t add value” Mwinyi, who first took office in 2020, will now lead the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government for another five years. The Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, which has never lost a presidential election in Zanzibar or mainland Tanzania, appears poised to retain control nationally as well. Preliminary results from the Tanzanian Electoral Commission (INEC) show CCM’s presidential candidate, Samia Suluhu Hassan, leading in most of the regions counted so far.
By Didacus Malowa
