Simbarashe Tongayi Appointed as ZEC’s New Chief Elections Officer, Promising Fresh Leadership

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has appointed Simbarashe Tongayi as its new Chief Elections Officer, effective April 1, 2025.

In a statement confirming the appointment, ZEC expressed confidence in Tongayi’s leadership, highlighting his extensive experience in election management and public administration.

The statement emphasized that his expertise and dedication would contribute significantly to the Commission’s long-term goals.

Tongayi had been serving as the Acting CEO since December 2024. Prior to that, he held the position of Deputy CEO responsible for administration, where he played a crucial role in improving organizational efficiency and streamlining administrative processes.

His knowledge of both regional and international elections has been widely recognized, positioning him as a key figure in the electoral sector.

Before joining ZEC, Tongayi served as the General Manager of Human Resources and Administration at the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. He also spent over a decade at the Public Service Commission Secretariat, holding roles as Deputy Manager and District Human Resources Manager.

He is currently a final-year Doctorate student in Strategic Management at Chinhoyi University of Technology. His academic background includes a Master’s Degree in Human Resources, a Master’s Degree in Peace, Leadership, and Conflict Resolution, and a recently completed Master of Science Degree in Defence and Security Studies.

Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work and is an accredited facilitator under the Building Resources in Democracy, Governance, and Elections program.

ZEC officials expressed enthusiasm about his leadership, stating that his expertise and experience make him the ideal candidate to guide the organization forward.