Joseph Isangura
A bold political proposal is once again stirring debate across Tanzania, as opposition leaders revive the long-disputed idea of restructuring the Union into a three-government system.
In its newly launched 2025–2030 election manifesto, the opposition party has pledged to pursue a constitutional model first suggested during Joseph Warioba’s constitutional review over a decade ago. The plan would establish a Federal Government, a Government of Tanganyika, and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, each with distinct powers and responsibilities.
The party argues this arrangement would “strengthen the Union based on equality and mutual respect,” ensuring that both Tanganyika and Zanzibar operate as sovereign entities within a cooperative federal framework. Supporters say it is about restoring fairness and honoring the voices of citizens who, during the previous constitutional reform process, called for a system that reflects equal partnership in governance.
Under the proposed structure, the Federal Government would oversee key national matters such as defense, foreign affairs, and monetary policy, while the two governments would independently manage domestic affairs. Advocates believe this would solve long-standing grievances over representation, particularly on the mainland, where the absence of a distinct Tanganyika government has been a recurring source of political tension.
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However, not everyone is convinced. Critics warn that implementing a three-government model could balloon public expenditure, create overlapping bureaucracies, and heighten political friction between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. Some analysts also fear that the shift could weaken the Union’s cohesion, especially at a time when national unity is essential for addressing economic disparities and regional inequalities.
Proponents counter these claims, pointing to successful federal systems in other nations where shared governance fosters stability. They argue that the long-term benefits—such as balanced power, improved accountability, and mutual respect—would outweigh the initial costs of transition.
The proposal is expected to be a lightning rod issue in the run-up to the October 2025 general elections. While the ruling party has historically rejected the idea, its reemergence in the political discourse ensures it will remain a defining topic on the campaign trail.
Whether the three-government system will gain traction with voters remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that this decades-old vision—once considered politically dormant—has been thrust back into the national spotlight, reigniting one of Tanzania’s most enduring constitutional debates.
