CCM-Zanzibar advocates for extension of President Mwinyi’s term in office

Unguja. The deputy secretary general of the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Zanzibar, Dr Mohamed Said Dimwa, has announced that the Secretariat Members of the Special Committee of the CCM National Executive Committee (NEC) have endorsed a proposal to extend Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi's term to seven years from the current five-year term.

Dimwa made the remarks while closing the UVCCM district executive council meeting held at the district office in Kiembesamaki Dimani, Zanzibar.

Dimwa explained that the decision to extend Dr Mwinyi’s tenure stems from satisfaction with his effective implementation of the CCM Manifesto for 2020–2025, achieving over 100 percent of set targets within three years and several months since taking office.

“In our deliberations, the Secretariat members thoroughly evaluated President Mwinyi’s performance and were convinced that there is no alternative to his leadership. Therefore, he deserves to lead the country for seven years to facilitate comprehensive economic and social transformations,” stated Dimwa.

The deputy secretary general elaborated that CCM Zanzibar views participating in the 2025 General Election as costly and a misuse of taxpayer funds, asserting that sustained development is what citizens truly need.

He emphasised the importance of extending President Mwinyi’s term to position Zanzibar as an economically developed island nation in the East African region.

“Our decision will follow constitutional and legislative procedures. We will present it in higher-level meetings to obtain endorsements, including submitting the proposal to the Zanzibar House of Representatives for amendments to certain provisions of the 1984 Zanzibar Constitution, aimed at ensuring we hold national elections every seven years,” Dr Dimwa clarified.

He highlighted that CCM members and Zanzibar citizens at large hold deep affection and appreciation for President Mwinyi’s leadership, citing his outstanding record in resolving citizen issues by bolstering various public and private sectors.

Moreover, Dimwa highlighted that every patriotic and rational citizen acknowledges the developments implemented in Zanzibar across various sectors.

These include healthcare, education, air and maritime transport, investment, modern roads, economic empowerment, tourism, sports, and robust business infrastructure.

During the session, Dimwa addressed claims by ACT-Wazalendo about the nation’s significant debt burden, asserting that obtaining loans for national development is not illegal or contrary to national laws.

He emphasized that no country globally operates economically solely on internal revenue without borrowing from international financial institutions or economically developed countries.

He emphasised that CCM conducts evidence-based politics by actively implementing its policies and strategies visibly, rather than making empty promises.