The democratisation of Zanzibar and the 1985 general elections

In order to understand the ways in which democratization can come about, this article analyses the case of Zanzibar, which has embraced democracy successfully despite a history of violent sectional strife. Only after the fall of Aboud Jumbe in 1984 did democracy extend itself fully through the State apparatus. The return to democracy facilitated the re-emergence of old conflicts and cleavages, particularly in the 1985 general elections. These conflicts continue and are interwoven with the issue of separatism. The author argues that Zanzibari politicians adopt sectionalist or particularist demands situationally, and separatism is one such situational reaction. A comparison of the election of Idris Wakil as Head of State of Zanzibar with the election of Ali Hassan Mwinyi as Union President in 1985 shows that in the latter sectional sentiments played no role while in Wakil's election they were important. This shows the situational nature of such responses. An analysis of the social background of candidates for the elections to the Union Parliament of Tanzania shows that politics is a major means of upward mobility in Zanzibar and this makes the stakes in politics particularly high. Appeals are made alternatively to ethnic, regional or nationalistic sentiments in an environment of stiff competition. These sectional appeals can result in intercommunal violence if they are not kept under control. This control is maintained by the Union Government. A postscript on developments since the 1985 elections concludes the article. Notes, ref