Mwinyi to dissolve Zanzibar’s 10th House as term draws to a close

Unguja. Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi is expected to formally dissolve the 10th House of Representatives on Monday, June 23, 2025, bringing to an end a five-year term marked by both progress and poignant moments.

The House, which was inaugurated on November 11, 2020, under President Mwinyi’s administration, is set to conclude in accordance with Article 92(1) of the Zanzibar Constitution of 1984, which stipulates a five-year lifespan from the date of its first sitting.

House Clerk Ms Raya Mselem confirmed the dissolution will be preceded by a ceremonial parade at the parliamentary grounds, followed by a special address by the President and a farewell reception for the outgoing lawmakers.

A term marked by loss

During its tenure, the 10th House saw the passing of three Members of the House of Representatives. Notably, Pandani representative Abubakar Khamis Bakari of ACT-Wazalendo passed away in November 2020, shortly after the general election and before being sworn in. He had previously served as Minister for Constitutional Affairs and Justice in the Government of National Unity (GNU) from 2010 to 2015.

His burial coincided with the House’s official opening on November 11, 2020. A by-election later brought in Prof Omar Fakih Hamad, also from ACT-Wazalendo, who went on to serve as the opposition whip.

Mtambwe legislator Habib Ali Mohamed, also of ACT-Wazalendo, died in March 2023 while undergoing treatment in Dar es Salaam. He chaired several parliamentary committees, including the influential Social Welfare Committee.

The third loss came in July 2024, when CCM’s special seat representative Panya Ali Abdalla died while receiving treatment in India. Her passing occurred while House members were away on a training programme in Arusha. Chumu Kombo Khamis was later appointed to fill the vacant seat.

A rare walkout in the House

In a notable act of protest, the late Panya Abdalla once walked out of a parliamentary session in objection to a clause in a bill establishing the Zanzibar Drug Control and Enforcement Authority. The clause in question designated the President as chairperson of a special oversight committee—an arrangement she argued could compromise accountability and overburden the head of state.

House Legal Director Nasra Awadhi Salmin later clarified that Abdalla’s protest was within her rights. “She left in disagreement and is not recorded as having participated in the passing of that law. However, she returned afterward and resumed her legislative duties,” she said.

MP declared truant

Chwaka MP Issa Haji Ussi (Gavu) of CCM was declared truant after missing five consecutive sessions, as per Standing Order 79(6) of the House. Speaker Zubeir Ali Maulid formally notified his party and recommended appropriate action.

Gavu had been seconded to assist President Samia Suluhu Hassan, which contributed to his prolonged absence. The same rule bars absent members from receiving parliamentary allowances during the period of non-attendance.

Governance under the GNU

The 10th House functioned under the Government of National Unity (GNU), a power-sharing arrangement between Zanzibar’s two major parties—CCM and ACT-Wazalendo—aimed at fostering stability, national cohesion, and peace in the Isles.

The GNU includes a First Vice President drawn from the opposition and a Revolutionary Council that incorporates both ruling and opposition members, underscoring its inclusive design.

Legislative output

According to Director of Parliamentary Business Mr Othman Ali Haji, the House deliberated on 42 bills and eight private members’ motions over its five-year tenure. Lawmakers submitted 2,558 primary questions and 5,497 supplementary questions during that period.

Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla officially adjourned the House on June 19, 2025.

As per Article 91(2)(a) of the Zanzibar Constitution, the President is authorised to dissolve the House once its term expires. The dissolution will mark the beginning of preparations for the next electoral cycle.

“President Mwinyi is expected to address the nation during the final session of the House on June 23 and subsequently announce its dissolution,” Ms Mselem confirmed.

A farewell ceremony will follow in the evening to honour the contributions of the outgoing lawmakers.