Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, yesterday inaugurated the state-of-the-art headquarters of the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC), marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to fortify democratic institutions and promote credible electoral processes.
Located at Maisara in the Urban West Region, the new building reflects President Mwinyi’s 2020 campaign promise to modernize electoral infrastructure. The inauguration also included the launch of ZEC’s District Office for West “B”.
“We committed ourselves to improving democratic institutions, and today we deliver on that promise,” Dr. Mwinyi said during the ceremony.
“The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar made deliberate efforts to finance the construction of this facility, recognising the vital role ZEC plays in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.”he added
According to government figures, the project cost a total of TZS 14.1 billion and was implemented by the China Railway Jianchang Engineering Company (CRJE), underscoring the government’s focus on quality and long-term institutional sustainability.
Dr. Mwinyi urged ZEC staff to ensure the new infrastructure is well maintained, saying the building should serve as a lasting pillar of democratic governance.
He further applauded the commission’s preparations for the 2025 General Election, citing a smooth voter registration exercise conducted earlier this year.
He called on citizens who have yet to collect their voter identification cards to do so promptly and exercise their democratic rights peacefully.
“This is our country; let us all take responsibility to safeguard its peace as we participate in democratic processes,” he added.
In recognition of his leadership, the Zanzibar Electoral Commission presented President Mwinyi with a special award for his unwavering commitment to strengthening democracy and institutional development in Zanzibar.
The event was attended by senior government leaders, members of the security forces, officials from the National Electoral Commission (INEC), political party representatives, civil society groups, and citizens from various parts of Unguja and Pemba.
The unveiling of the ZEC headquarters forms part of broader institutional reforms under President Mwinyi’s administration aimed at enhancing service delivery and building trust in public institutions.
Observers say the new facility is expected to boost operational efficiency at ZEC as the country heads into a pivotal election season.