The Institutionalisation of Power-Sharing in Zanzibar: Strengths and Challenges

Abstract In 2010, Zanzibar presented a distinctive example of power-sharing in Africa. The introduction of power-sharing governance system was preceded by a referendum, which set the stage for a subsequent constitutional amendment to facilitate this governance approach on the Island. This model was adopted to address the region’s longstanding and entrenched political issues. Despite the strong base of its adoption, power sharing has shown ups and downs throughout its life, passing through the boycott from 2015 to 2020 and the 2020 electoral violence. This study examines the strengths and challenges of power-sharing in Zanzibar, focusing on its potential path for its institutionalization. The study used a qualitative research design, with interviews and documentary reviews as data collection methods. The findings indicate that while power-sharing in Zanzibar benefits from robust public support, which complicates efforts to eliminate or alter it, the system encounters various institutional and behavioral challenges that impede its full institutionalization.