The Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar: In search of a viable structure

Abstract

The question of the structure of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar is at the core of the constitution making process. In fact, it will be a determining factor of the final outcome of the envisaged constitution. The debate on the union structure has revolved around a one government system, two governments system, three governments system and a confederation. Expected of a debate on a political issue of this stature are inevitably misunderstandings and distortions on what the proposed options entail. This article surveys different models of union in order to shed some light on the proposed three-tier government structure by the Constitution Review Commission as the most viable option which is likely to address some of the critical problems that have confronted the union in its past fifty years of existence.