Electoral dysfunction
Tanzania has held its first elections in four years. These are the fifth elections since the country returned to multi-party democracy in 1922. Unsurprisingly, as its history of one party rule suggests, the political process in Tanzania far from smooth. Bizarrely, allegations of black magic and witchcraft has surrounded this year’s elections. Although witchdoctors were banned in January, the government has felt the need to warn politicians not to engage in black magic in an attempt to skew the election results. However, the supernatural aside, other issues have dominated the election. Most of all, the territory of Zanzibar. The election results have been delayed, owing to doubts over the political process in the region. Reports that the elections were not free and fair have stalled the results. BRIC Plus News tells you all you need to know about Zanzibar, and the complicated nature of its existence.
A rich heritage
The history of Zanzibar stretches back centuries. Located in the Indian Ocean, its location ensured it was prime target for an abundance of cultural influences. First settled by African speakers of Bantu, the arrival of Persians in the 10th century heralded its status as a cultural melting pot. Over the centuries, wave after wave of newcomers has left their mark, infusing the archipelago with its unique cultural flavour. These constant waves of cultural migration have created an environment and political culture completely independent of the Tanzanian mainland. This is at the heart of questions over autonomy.
[via Africa Stay Travel]
Special status
Zanzibar is afforded great levels of autonomy. Its messy political history is behind this. In 1832, when the ruler of Oman moved his capital to Zanzibar, the islands became an independent sultanate. In 1890, the British seized control of Zanzibar. In 1963, the islands once again became an independent monarchy. A leftist revolution in 1964 overthrew the Arab minority elite, and a republic of the people, ruled by Africans, was established. But merely three months later, the land united with Tanganyika to form the Republic of Tanzania. The semi-autonomous status remained. Zanzibar has its own president and a parliament. But some are dissatisfied with the status quo.
Independence for Zanzibar?
The region is controlled in a power-sharing deal between rival parties the CUF and CCM. However, they have competing interests and visions. The CCM enjoys wide support among the descendants of the former Arab ruling elite, and are adamant that Zanzibar must gain even more power over its own affairs. The CUF, while officially committed to remaining in the union with Tanzania, has members sympathetic to the independence cause. Only time will tell which side is victorious. But with general election polls being annulled over allegations of tampering, it is unlikely to be a clean fight.
