Dr Mwinyi outlines three priorities if re-elected in Zanzibar

CCM’s Zanzibar presidential candidate, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi

What you need to know:

  • While the party manifesto promises 350,000 jobs, he said the actual figure is expected to exceed this through industrial and agricultural development strategies.

Unguja. CCM’s Zanzibar presidential candidate, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has pledged that his next term will focus on three key priorities, leaving a lasting impact across the islands.

Dr Mwinyi identified the three areas as promoting unity, boosting the economy, and strengthening social services.

He made the remarks on Saturday, September 13, 2025, during the launch of CCM’s campaign at Mnazimmoja Grounds in Unguja.

“We will eliminate all forms of discrimination, tribal, religious, racial, or regional, whether Pemba or Unguja, north or south. In the next term, we will maintain peace and uphold our unity, as I promised in 2020,” he said.

He added that the ruling CCM in the Isles intends to run a civilised campaign, avoiding personal attacks and focusing instead on plans to address citizens’ challenges.

Dr Mwinyi pledged to tackle youth unemployment, a major issue in Zanzibar.

While the party manifesto promises 350,000 jobs, he said the actual figure is expected to exceed this through industrial and agricultural development strategies.

“I assure the youth that the government will pursue all efforts to grow industries, strengthen agriculture, and empower citizens, so that more jobs are created,” he said.

He projected economic growth to rise from 7.4 percent to 10 percent before the end of his term.

“My fellow citizens, we have achieved a lot, and we will ensure these initiatives continue. I ask for your support to complete them,” he said.

Dr Mwinyi also urged voters to turn out in large numbers on Election Day to secure a decisive victory and prevent disputes over alleged vote manipulation.

“When victories are narrow, complaints arise. Let us come out in large numbers to win convincingly, leaving no room for doubt,” he said.

Endorsement from former President Shein

Former President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, endorsed Dr Mwinyi, praising his achievements and urging support for a second term.

Speaking at the event, Dr Shein handed over the party manifesto and commended Dr Mwinyi for leading Zanzibar to significant progress over the past five years, strictly following the party’s manifesto.

“Dr Mwinyi deserves another term to accomplish more. His achievements show his capacity to deliver results,” he said.

He highlighted projects expected to create over 25,000 jobs, valued at $6.2 billion, including loans for low-income citizens and blue economy initiatives.

Dr Shein also noted progress in oil and gas exploration and lauded the completion of the 2.2 km Uzi Bridge, a feat previous rulers had not achieved in centuries.

CCM Secretary-General Dr Asha Rose Migiro welcomed Dr Shein, highlighting Zanzibar’s transformation under Dr Mwinyi’s leadership.

Campaign entertainment, public engagement

Artists from Kombolela Theatre entertained the crowd with songs and skits promoting unity and development.

A CCM-branded helicopter also circled Mnazimmoja Grounds, thrilling supporters.

Hundreds of party members and citizens attended the launch, marking the start of a 46-day campaign ahead of Zanzibar’s general elections on October 29, 2025.

The campaign will run until 27 October, according guidelines and schedule released by the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC).