ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi has said that providing a conducive working environment for the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) will significantly enhance the country’s democratic systems, fostering a healthy and robust democracy.
“These modern buildings will definitely make a difference! It has a onestop-centre for the administration and election processes,” Dr Mwinyi said during a ceremony to lay a foundation stone for the construction of ZEC headquarters in Maisara, Unguja Urban District.
The colourful evening event attended by different stakeholders in elections and democracy, was among the planned activities to mark the 61st anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution celebrations climaxing on January 12 this year at Gombani Stadium in Pemba South region.
He pointed out that the completion of the new building, arguably the first of its kind in the East African region, will resolve the long-standing challenge which was faced by ZEC of not having an adequate workspace.
The President noted that the decision to make the building a “OneStop Centre” for all election-related activities will enhance the efficiency of the commission’s staff, as he commended ZEC’s management and the Zanzibar Building Agency (ZBA) for their excellent oversight of the project and urged CRJE contractors to complete the work in time.
Dr Mwinyi acknowledged delays in the construction process but expressed confidence that the building will be handed over soon to allow ZEC to begin its operations in the new facility, including preparations for this year’s General Elections.
“The government is committed to strengthening democratic systems and good governance in the country. Critical aspect of democracy is the electoral commission… when ZEC requested for a modern building, I promptly instructed the Ministry of Finance to allocate funds for the project to meet the needs,” he said.
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Dr Mwinyi noted that ZEC had been operating in suboptimal conditions, but he believes that the new building will significantly enhance the commission’s working environment, as he praised the Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdullah, for overseeing the project effectively.
Welcoming the President to address the gathering, Second VicePresident Hemed Suleiman Abdullah said that the purpose of constructing the new building is to provide a conducive working environment for the ZEC.
He praised President Mwinyi for providing a state-of-the-art facility that would enhance efficiency and professionalism, ensuring smooth operations without disruptions.
The VP also said that the project will leave a mark in the eighth phase government’s legacy by developing modern, internationally recognised facilities. Mr Abdulla expressed confidence that ZEC officials would perform their duties in accordance with existing laws and regulations in Zanzibar.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee for the Oversight of Offices of National Leaders, Mr Machano Othman Saidi, also praised President Mwinyi for his decision to build the facility, expressing their satisfaction with the construction standards.
Providing project details, ZEC Director Mr Thabit Idarous Faina said that the 11.3bn/- new buildings occupies an area of 1,910 square meters, a four-story building constructed by CRJE beginning from January 25, 2024, and has reached 81 percent under the supervision of ZBA.
Mr Faina explained that the facility includes various sections, such as election operations areas, storage for election materials and documents, a conference hall with a 300-person capacity, where elections results will be announced and also incorporating advanced ICT and security systems.
The ZEC director also commended President Mwinyi for initiating the project, describing it as a historic milestone that strengthens democratic systems in the country. He pledged to commence operations in the new building before the 2025 General Election.
