Zanzibar Goes to the Polls: Understanding the October 29th Election

At the end of October, Zanzibar, the beautiful semi-autonomous archipelago within the United Republic of Tanzania, will hold its general elections. While part of the national Tanzanian voting process, the elections for the Zanzibar Presidency and the local House of Representatives are distinct and deeply significant for the islands.

If you are visiting Zanzibar during this time, you will notice increased political activity, rallies, and public interest as the islands prepare for polling day on October 29, 2025.

The President and the Revolutionary Government

Zanzibar operates under its own Revolutionary Government, led by the President of Zanzibar. This leader is the head of the local government and steers domestic policy for the islands of Unguja and Pemba.

The Incumbent and the Ruling Party

• The Ruling Party: The political landscape is dominated by the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), or the Party of the Revolution. The CCM has been the long-standing ruling party of both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania since its formation in 1977.

• The Current President: The incumbent President of Zanzibar is Dr. Hussein Mwinyi (CCM). He took office in November 2020 and is seeking a second term.

  
  

Background and Career of President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi

Dr. Hussein Mwinyi (born 1966) is the son of former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi. Before embarking on his political career, he pursued an impressive career in medicine.

• Education: He earned his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Marmara University in Istanbul (Turkey) and subsequently specialized in Internal Medicine at Hammersmith Hospital in London (United Kingdom).

• Medical Career: He worked as a physician, including at the Royal Sussex Hospital in Brighton (UK) and Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania, and lectured as a senior lecturer at the Hubert Kairuki Memorial University Medical School.

• Political Offices: Dr. Mwinyi has been a Member of Parliament (Bunge) in Tanzania since 2000. He held several significant ministerial posts in the Union Government, including:

  • Minister of Defence and National Service (over ten years in various terms, 2008–2012 and 2014–2020).

  • Minister of Health and Social Welfare (2012–2014).

Since his election as President in 2020, his presidency has focused on promoting the Blue Economy, improving healthcare, and combating corruption.

Key Political Parties

The political history of Zanzibar is often characterized by close contests, particularly between the CCM and the opposition, which has historically centered around issues of autonomy and governance.

• Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM): As the party in power, the CCM campaigns on maintaining stability, promoting unity, and accelerating development and infrastructure projects across the islands.

• ACT-Wazalendo: This is currently the most significant opposition party in Zanzibar. Following the closely contested 2020 election, the CCM and ACT-Wazalendo agreed to a unique political power-sharing arrangement in the House of Representatives, a notable step toward political stability and national reconciliation on the islands.

  
  

What is at Stake?

The October 29th election determines not only who will lead the Revolutionary Government for the next five years but also the composition of the local House of Representatives. These outcomes influence everything from tourism and economic policy to education and healthcare across the archipelago. The stability and nature of the current power-sharing agreement, which has been crucial for managing political tensions, are often central themes in the campaign debates.

Visitor Information During the Election Period

If you are planning a trip to Zanzibar during the election period, it is helpful to be aware of how campaigning might affect your travel plans:

• Campaign Events & Traffic: As politicians travel to villages for large rallies, be aware that temporary road closures and significant traffic delays can occur, particularly in Stone Town and along major routes leading to the capital. Large gatherings are common, especially on weekends.

• Interacting with Rallies: If you encounter a political rally or procession, it is best to maintain a respectful distance. Tourists should avoid wearing political party colors (which are often prominent during campaigns), refrain from overtly political gestures, and simply observe the activities from a safe, neutral vantage point. Always follow the instructions of local authorities or police.

• Situation on the East Coast: For guests staying on the East Coast, particularly in areas like Michamvi-Pingwe, the atmosphere generally remains calm and unaffected by the most intense political activities, as these resort areas are geographically distant from the primary campaign centers in Zanzibar Town and Pemba.

Overall, while political activity increases, it is not directed at tourists, allowing vacation plans to proceed with minor logistical adjustments. Just book now!