Jobs drive Mwinyi campaign

• Vows economic empowerment, peace protection

ZANZIBAR: CCM presidential candidate in Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Mwinyi has pledged to tackle youth unemployment, empower farmers and entrepreneurs and improve public services if reelected in the October 29th, this year General Election.

Continues on Page 3 Campaigning yesterday in Mndo Shehia, West A District, Unguja, Dr Mwinyi engaged with motorcycle taxi operators, spice farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs, promising to scale up job creation and economic empowerment initiatives.

“We are committed to expanding opportunities, especially for youth, through vocational training, education and direct employment in sectors like health and education,” he said.

He assured citizens that his government, through the Economic Empowerment Agency, will enhance access to capital, markets, modern tools and training for small businesses and cooperative groups.

Dr Mwinyi outlined concrete plans to allocate land for spice cultivation, distribute farming inputs and fertilisers, guarantee stable markets for produce, provide micro-loans to small entrepreneurs and support motorcycle taxi groups with equipment through credit schemes “We want to create a favourable environment for all entrepreneurs to thrive. More resources will be allocated to reach more people,” he said.

Dr Mwinyi urged voters to support CCM, saying it is the only party capable of maintaining peace and driving meaningful development in Zanzibar.

While launching CCM’s campaign in Pemba at Gombani-ya-Kale grounds on Monday, Dr Mwinyi announced plans to issue land titles to clove farmers, ensuring secure land ownership and succession rights.

“Legal ownership will allow clove growers to pass on their land to heirs and improve productivity with confidence,” he said.

He also reaffirmed 11 priorities for his second term, including job creation, especially for youth, economic empowerment through interest-free loans, improved social services (water, education, healthcare) and modern housing for all Zanzibaris.

Others are investment in food and fuel reserves to fight inflation, upgrading infrastructure such as roads and ports and sports development as well as public servants’ welfare.

Dr Mwinyi promised that, if re-elected, 100 per cent of these pledges would be delivered.

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He announced that on September 25, the government will sign a contract for the construction of Pemba Airport and begin upgrading the Chakechake–Mkoani Road, moves aimed at boosting the island’s economy and attracting investment.

Dr Mwinyi stressed the need for peace and unity, saying that development is impossible in a divided society.

He vowed to continue fostering national cohesion and reconciliation, denouncing all forms of tribalism, discrimination and hate.

The CCM candidate also promised more schools to support single-shift learning, expanded services at Abdalla Mzee Hospital, including spinal surgery, increased electricity and water access, construction of 10,000 lowcost houses across Unguja and Pemba and continued support for seaweed farmers with tools and credit CCM Secretary General, Ambassador Asha-Rose Migiro praised Dr Mwinyi’s leadership, urging voters to support him, President Samia Suluhu Hassan and all CCM candidates for continued progress.

CCM Central Committee Member, Mohammed Aboud applauded Dr. Mwinyi for development without discrimination, calling him a humble and people-focused leader.

“Leadership isn’t for those who spread division. It’s for those who unite and serve,” Aboud said.

Deputy CCM Secretary General for Zanzibar, Mohammed Said Mohammed (Dimwa) described Dr Mwinyi as the “architect of Zanzibar’s development,” citing achievements such as 13 new multi-storey schools in Pemba, employment of 2,406 teachers (40 per cent of Pemba’s teaching staff) and construction of Gombani Stadium and Msuka Road.

Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdullah highlighted free kidney treatment now available at Abdalla Mzee Hospital, saving patients the cost of travelling to mainland Tanzania.

He warned voters against being misled by divisive rhetoric, assuring that the election will be peaceful and every vote will count.

The campaign rally concluded with 453 members of opposition party ACT-Wazalendo defecting to CCM, pledging their support for Dr Mwinyi and CCM in the October polls.

The event featured colorful performances by local artists, underscoring the celebratory and unifying atmosphere of the campaign.