The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has said he has no intention of extending the term of the Presidency beyond the constitutionally mandated term and has ordered an immediate halt to debates on the issue.
Dr. Mwinyi said through various platforms, including the House of Representatives, there have been debates and proposals to extend the term of the Presidency instead of the 10 years set by the Zanzibar Constitution, but he has stressed that he does not have that intention and that the debate is not productive for the country at present.
He said leaders have sworn to protect the Constitution of the country and urged citizens and leaders to focus on implementing national development.
He said the remaining period of his leadership will be one of greater and faster implementation for the development of the people and the country as a whole.
President Dr. Mwinyi said this on May 23, 2026 when he opened the Forum of Chairmen and Heads of Public Institutions held at the Golden Tulip Airport Hotel, Mjini Magharibi Region.
President Dr. Mwinyi said the Government would not be willing to continue to support public institutions that fail to operate and continue to rely on subsidies from the Government.
He said there are still public institutions that are paid salaries and run with Government funds, which he said is outdated, while calling on these institutions to organize themselves and operate productively and profitably.
Similarly, Dr. Mwinyi said the Government will give these institutions time to carry out operational reforms and those that fail to operate themselves, the Government will not be willing to continue with them.
Dr. Mwinyi has also emphasized the continuation of the implementation of the National Vision 2050 as well as major development projects including the construction and strengthening of ports, airports, sports fields and road infrastructure to make Zanzibar a hub for a modern and sustainable economy.
