Zanzibar

On the 40th anniversary of the adoption of Tanzania’s first permanent constitution, Nick Branson points to where this distinctive document shows significant signs of strain.

Zitto Kabwe, party leader of ACT-Wazalendo and the Member of Parliament for Kigoma Urban constituency, argues that while the United Republic of Tanzania is a youthful and dynamic nation, beneath the surface not all is well.

A political crisis on Zanzibar – where a “rogue” election commissioner is preparing to waste time, money and goodwill on a vote with a predetermined outcome – is being overlooked by President Magufuli, argues Nick Branson.

Rising debt, the ever-growing prominence of social media and a battle for the soul of the ANC are just some of the things Jamie Hitchen and Nick Branson are expecting to see in Africa in the year ahead.

The opening of the National Assembly on 17 November follows the inauguration of a new president, John Magufuli. Yet three weeks after Tanzanians went to the polls, Zanzibar is still mired in a political crisis, says Nick Branson.

Nick Branson identifies constituencies in Tanzania where opposition chances of electoral success have been improved by local developments, political scandals or party defections since 2010.

This Briefing Note considers the variables in the country’s fifth multi-party elections, likely to be the most keenly contested to date.

Maïlys Chauvin’s account of election preparations in Zanzibar highlights a number of worrying developments that challenges “received wisdom” about good governance in Tanzania and electoral credibility.

This Geographical Magazine op-ed by ARI senior researcher Nick Branson explores the background to the upcoming Tanzanian constitutional referendum as a parallel to the West Lothian Question in the UK.

Part three of Nick Branson’s look at Tanzania’s proposed constitution considers how historical attachments to African socialism have been balanced with efforts to enshrine new norms and values.