Tanzania’s draft Constitution unfair to us, Zanzibaris say

The draft constitution was received with measured criticism in Zanzibar on Monday as voices that advocated full autonomy for the Isles went silent.

Prominent politicians and experts who have been at the forefront championing more independence for Zanzibar were unavailable for comment and people interviewed at street level said the draft was tilted against the Isles.

It is a position also held by the deputy secretary general of the Civic United Front, Mr Hamad Masoud Hamad. Zanzibaris have been calling for more autonomy within the Union akin to the structure of the UK 

Those who spoke to The Citizen said their proposals on the structure of the union were largely ignored.

Mr Hamad argued that allocating Zanzibaris fewer seats in the proposed union parliament amounts to shortchanging them.

The proposed parliament would have 75 members - 50 from the mainland, 20 from Zanzibar and five appointed by the President.

Source: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/World/Tz-s-draft-law-unfair-to-us--Zanzibaris-say/-/688340/1873328/-/mkclk8z/-/index.html