The voice of the people is what will keep the Union
What you need to know:
As Tanzanians from both the Mainland and Zanzibar marked Union Day last Wednesday, it was also a moment of reflection on the outstanding issues that have, for years, put a strain on the union. In this issue, our readers share their views on what they think needs to be done going forward
Mbarouk-Tabora
Government should revive dialogue with the main opposition in Zanzibar, the Civic United Front (CUF), to resolve the post 2015 General Election political impasse.
Furthermore, the Union structure should be amended in line with recommendations by the Constitution Reform Commission (CRC) that was chaired by retired Judge Joseph Warioba.
There is no doubt most of the contemporary challenges facing the Union are linked with the current structure. Unfortunately, politicians have been using these challenges for their selfish agenda. They have been fueling tension and posing a major threat to the existence of the Union.
A three-tier government will provide both sides with full autonomy and equal practice in Union matters. It will also address concerns that one side is being marginalised, economically.
Salum Fakh-Zanzibar
The new Katiba process should be revived immediately to ensure issues raised by citizens in the draft document are addressed to stabilise the Union.
Also, authorities should stop intimidating and criminalising people who openly speak on Union matters. Freedom of speech is healthy for democracy and development, and by allowing freedom of expression, the both governments will know what the people want addressed.
Fatuma Mohamed-Pemba
Efforts should be made to unite the people and restore friendship that existed before the 2015 General Election. Zanzibar needs to return to the early days when people worked and cooperated regardless of what political parties they belonged to.
In addition, political leaders should do away with their selfish tendencies, and instead think of the future generation. This means, they must promote peaceful ways of resolving differences through, for example, negotiation.
Lameck Fabian-Dar
The first step should be providing Zanzibar with true peace, security and stability. This can only be achieved through resolving political differences between the ruling CCM and CUF. Government should also not ignore what the people demanded in the proposed new constitution.
