Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi sworn in after re-election victory

ZANZIBAR — President Hussein Mwinyi was sworn into a second term on Saturday following his re-election in the October 29, 2025, vote, in which he secured 74.8 percent of the vote according to the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC).

ZEC announced he had beaten his ten opponents, with a voter turnout of over 88 per cent across the islands.

The ceremony at Amaan Stadium in Stone Town brought together senior officials from the Union of Tanzania and Zanzibar, party dignitaries, regional diplomats and scores of jubilant supporters waving green and yellow flags of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

Dr Mwinyi, wearing the presidential sash, strode onto the red-carpeted podium where the archipelago’s historic walls and the Indian Ocean breeze framed the moment under a bright sky.

In his acceptance address, broadcast live across Zanzibar, Dr Mwinyi thanked the electorate for their trust in renewing his mandate and addressed his opposition rivals directly, calling for collaboration in pursuit of national interest.

“Let us forget the past and open a new chapter of rebuilding the archipelago,” he declared.

The President emphasized unity, economic growth and good governance as the pillars of his second term.

President Mwinyi’s speech struck both a tone of continuity and ambition.

He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the union between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.

“Zanzibar is bigger than our differences. My administration will serve all Zanzibaris regardless of political affiliation," he said.

The transition marked by this swearing-in is underscored by Mwinyi’s political pedigree--born on December 23, 1966, and the son of former Tanzanian President the late Ali Hassan Mwinyi, he has served in key ministerial roles prior to becoming Zanzibar’s eighth president in 2020.

Analysts say Dr Mwinyi’s overwhelming victory consolidates CCM’s decades-long dominance in Zanzibari politics, but also places on him the heavy responsibility of delivery.

Key challenges loom: youth unemployment, under-investment in outer islands, tourism infrastructure and balancing modern economic demands with the rich cultural heritage of Zanzibar.

As the ceremony ended, the air was filled with the music of Taarab and the chorus of supporters raising their voices in approval.

The sea breeze carried the noise beyond the stadium walls of Stone Town, where past and present converged in a moment of hopeful renewal.

With the oath taken and the guard of honour inspected, Dr Mwinyi turns to the tasks ahead--forging a path for Zanzibar’s future while meeting the expectations of his five-year mandate.