By Our Reporter, ZanzibarPresident Hussein Ali Mwinyi has described peace and stability as the biggest gains from Zanzibar’s 2025 General Election, while directing electoral authorities to address weaknesses identified in the polls before the next election.
Dr Mwinyi made the remarks yesterday at State House in Zanzibar after receiving the report on the 2025 General Election from Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) Chairman, Justice George Joseph Kazi.
The President praised ZEC for successfully overseeing the election in a peaceful and orderly environment, but said the experience should also be used to identify and fix gaps that could undermine future polls.
He directed the government and ZEC to work closely to address challenges highlighted in the report and ensure they do not recur in subsequent elections.
“Peace and stability are among the achievements of the 2025 election,” President Mwinyi said, emphasising the importance of building on the progress while strengthening areas that still require attention.
The election also recorded a sharp rise in voter registration, with registered voters increasing from 566,352 in 2020 to 717,557 in 2025—a 26.7 per cent increase.
For the first time, the government also financed the election in full, covering 100 per cent of the costs, according to Dr Mwinyi.
The President said the increased voter registration and government financing were important developments in strengthening Zanzibar’s electoral system.
Justice Kazi said ZEC had also taken steps to make voting more inclusive, particularly for people with visual disabilities.
He cited the continued use of the Tactile Ballot Folder, which allows visually impaired voters to cast their ballots without assistance.
ZEC also established a modern One Stop Centre and six district election offices, which the commission said had strengthened its ability to manage electoral activities across Zanzibar.
Dr Mwinyi thanked ZEC officials and staff for their role in conducting the election and urged them to maintain integrity, professionalism and impartiality in discharging their duties.
He assured ZEC of continued government cooperation in strengthening the electoral framework and improving the conduct of future elections.
The President’s remarks place renewed focus on how Zanzibar can consolidate the gains recorded in the 2025 polls while addressing shortcomings identified in the electoral process.