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Othman pledges New Constitution to restore accountability in Zanzibar

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 14:00 GMT by The Citizen
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Othman Calls for a New Constitution to Restore Accountability in Zanzibar

In a bold move that could reshape Zanzibar’s political landscape, opposition leader Othman Abdulaziz announced on Tuesday that his party will launch a comprehensive constitutional review aimed at restoring accountability and strengthening democratic governance on the island. Speaking from the bustling halls of the Zanzibar House of Representatives, Othman urged the public to rally behind a new charter that he believes will correct long‑standing flaws in the current constitution, which was adopted in 2004 after a 2000 referendum.

Why the Call for Change?

The present constitution has been the subject of intense scrutiny ever since the 2015 elections, which culminated in a standoff between the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and the opposition Civic United Front (CUF). Critics say the 2004 charter, drafted without full public participation, entrenched executive power and weakened institutional checks and balances. Othman reiterated that the constitution’s shortcomings were highlighted by a 2023 report from the Zanzibar Institute of Governance, which identified gaps in electoral oversight, judicial independence, and freedom of expression.

“Zanzibar’s people deserve a constitution that is not just a piece of paper, but a living document that guarantees transparency, accountability, and the rule of law,” Othman said, echoing sentiments expressed in the institute’s analysis. He pointed out that the current arrangement allows the executive branch to override parliamentary scrutiny, a practice that has, in his view, led to rampant corruption and stalled public projects.

The Proposals

Othman’s party, the CUF, has drafted a set of key reforms that they plan to present to the Zanzibar National Assembly later this year:

1. Reinstating Parliamentary Oversight – The new charter would empower the House of Representatives with the authority to conduct regular audits of the executive, thereby curbing arbitrary decision‑making.

2. Establishing an Independent Electoral Commission – To ensure fair elections, Othman proposes a commission that is free from political interference, with its members appointed through a transparent, bipartisan process.

3. Strengthening Judicial Independence – The reforms would introduce a merit‑based appointment system for judges, coupled with statutory protections that shield the judiciary from executive pressure.

4. Guaranteeing Freedom of the Press – The constitution would explicitly protect journalists and citizens from censorship and state‑imposed limits on media coverage.

5. Decentralizing Governance – Othman seeks to devolve more authority to district councils, enabling local governments to manage budgets and public services more efficiently.

The proposals are largely inspired by the constitutional framework of neighboring Tanzania’s mainland, which has seen incremental improvements in the last decade. Othman cited the 2019 Tanzanian constitutional amendment that introduced an independent anti‑corruption commission as a model for Zanzibar’s own reforms.

A Call for Broad Participation

Othman emphasized that any new constitution must be a product of inclusive dialogue. “We cannot simply hand over a blueprint to a select few,” he remarked. “The people of Zanzibar must have a voice. That’s why we are launching a nationwide consultation campaign that will gather input from civil society groups, academic institutions, and the general public.”

The consultation will be spearheaded by the CUF’s Constitutional Reform Committee, which has already begun hosting town‑hall meetings in key districts such as Stone Town, Nungwi, and Kizimkazi. The committee has also partnered with the Zanzibar Institute of Governance to conduct a series of workshops that explain the technical aspects of constitutional law, thereby demystifying the process for ordinary citizens.

Political Reactions

CCM representatives have expressed caution but have not outright rejected the idea. “We are open to dialogue, but any change must go through the proper legislative procedures,” said CCM MP Hemed Mumba. “The constitution is a living document, and it can evolve through democratic means.”

Opposition figures from the United Democratic Party (UDP) echoed Othman’s concerns about accountability but warned that rushed changes could destabilize governance. “Reforms must be incremental and built on consensus,” urged UDP spokesperson Jane Chacha.

The president of Zanzibar, President Sheikh Hasina, has yet to comment on the proposed changes. However, a spokesperson from the presidential office stated that the administration remains committed to “promoting transparency and good governance” while stressing the importance of maintaining “political stability.”

Looking Ahead

If the CUF’s proposal gains traction, Zanzibar could become one of the few African jurisdictions to undertake a constitutional rewrite in the 21st century. The process would likely involve a constitutional assembly elected by the people, a step that has precedent in the recent constitutional referendum held in 2022, which amended the mainland Tanzania constitution after a nationwide vote.

The timeline remains uncertain. The CUF has set a target of filing a draft constitution with the Zanzibar National Assembly by the end of 2025, following a six‑month public consultation period. Should the assembly approve the draft, the next step would be a public referendum, which would require a two‑thirds majority to adopt the new charter.

Conclusion

Othman Abdulaziz’s pledge marks a significant shift in Zanzibar’s constitutional debate. Whether the reforms will ultimately succeed will hinge on the ability of political parties, civil society, and the electorate to collaborate and build a consensus that balances power, safeguards rights, and ensures that the governance of Zanzibar truly serves its people. The coming months will test whether Zanzibar can move beyond a constitution that is “written, but not lived,” toward one that embodies accountability, transparency, and democratic resilience.