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The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has officially appointed Simbarashe Tongayi as its substantive Chief Elections Officer (CEO), a move that brings a seasoned professional into the pivotal role of overseeing the country’s electoral processes.
Tongayi, who had been serving as the acting CEO since December 2024 following the retirement of Utloile Silaigwana, takes over from his predecessor, who now serves as a Commissioner in the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) Commission. With an extensive background in both regional and international election management, Tongayi brings a wealth of experience to the position.
Throughout his career, Tongayi has demonstrated a deep understanding of public administration and electoral processes. His experience spans various high-stakes electoral environments, having contributed significantly to election management in several countries. His role as acting CEO proved his leadership capacity, providing ZEC with much-needed stability as the country prepared for upcoming elections.
The appointment of Tongayi has been welcomed by many in the sector, as his expertise and knowledge of electoral procedures are expected to contribute positively to the smooth running of Zimbabwe’s elections. His hands-on experience in both regional and international election management provides him with an edge in tackling the challenges that come with overseeing a commission that manages such a vital part of the democratic process.
In a statement following the announcement, ZEC expressed confidence in Tongayi’s abilities, highlighting his qualifications as a seasoned expert in public administration and electoral management. “Mr Tongayi is a seasoned public administration and election management expert with experience in both regional and international elections,” the commission said.
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