Union structure divides Zanzibaris

BY MWINYI SADALLAH

As the Constitutional Review Commission proceeds with the task of gathering public views for the envisaged new constitution, leaders, activists and common people in Zanzibar have registered different stances on the structure of the Union between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

A survey by The Guardian on Sunday here has revealed that most views given by Zanzibaris were either influenced by political party or government leaders.

However, Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohammed Shein has been quoted in several meetings as saying he would always defend the existing two-tier government structure of the Union.

The current structure of the Union is stipulated in the country as well as the ruling party constitutions.

Dr Shein’s stance is supported by the Constitutional Review Act, 2010. The Act has already laid boundaries over the current structure of the Union. Section 9 (2-1) of the Constitution Review Act 2010 states: “The commission shall adhere to the national values and ethos and shall, in that respect, safeguard and promote the following matters:- the existence of the United Republic, the existence of Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary, the republican nature of governance, the existence of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, national unity, cohesion and peace.” Dr Shein said the current structure of the Union has been beneficial to the Zanzibaris, adding that as a result of the current Union the islanders have been able to own land and construct houses on the Mainland.

They have also been able to fully exploit the market for their business provided by about 45 million people living on Mainland Tanzania.

But the President’s stance is opposed by even some leaders within the Revolutionary government of Zanzibar. First Zanzibar Vice President Maalim Seif Sharrif Hamad is reported to have called several times for adoption of the three-tier government structure, consisting of Union, Zanzibar and Mainland governments.

The first Zanzibar vice president goes further calling for the establishment of contractual union between the two sides.

In recent months there has been a movement in the isles for Zanzibar to regain it full autonomy.

SOURCE: GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY (25/11/2012): http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/index.php?l=48356