The Leader of the Opposition in the Zanzibar House of Representatives from ACT-Wazalendo, Prof Omar Fakih Hamad, has urged citizens to speak openly about challenges affecting their communities so their concerns can be tabled in the House for debate and action.
Prof Hamad made the remarks on August 19, 2026, during a public engagement meeting with residents of Magharibi B District at Magogoni kwa Mwarabu, Unguja, as part of his tour of Zanzibar’s districts.
He said lawmakers needed to engage directly with citizens before House sessions to understand their priorities and challenges and ensure those concerns were effectively represented in the House.
“Representatives need to meet and listen to citizens before entering House sessions so they can understand the challenges and issues affecting them and present them for discussion and solutions,” Prof Hamad said.
The meeting gave residents an opportunity to assess the performance of the House of Representatives and raise concerns over issues affecting their daily lives.
Several participants called for a stronger oversight role for the House, saying it should be willing to question and advise the government where necessary rather than simply praise government decisions.
Jabir Idrissa said citizens wanted a House that could effectively guide the government in responding to their needs and aspirations.
“We saw how the House under Mzee Pandu Ameir Kificho won our hearts. We ask the current Speaker to give us the House we want and not to put political party positions first,” Jabir said.
Residents also raised concerns about the impact of increasing numbers of foreign visitors on Zanzibar’s culture and social values.
Some participants alleged that certain visitors failed to observe local standards of dress and conduct in public places.
Issa Husein Yusouf, a resident of Tomondo, called for clear regulations governing visitors entering Zanzibar to ensure they respect the islands’ laws, customs, traditions and social values.
“Today, you see some foreigners walking improperly dressed in public places while the government remains silent, as our moral and cultural values continue to decline,” Issa said.
The residents also urged the Speaker of the House to strengthen oversight of members to ensure they prioritise citizens’ interests and the national interest in their parliamentary work.
Mbaruok Ali Mbarouk, a resident of Mwanakwerekwe, said political party interests should not overshadow the responsibility of lawmakers to represent citizens.
“We ask the Speaker to ensure members do not put party positions ahead of the interests of this House,” Mbarouk said.
He urged lawmakers to use their positions to advocate for citizens and scrutinise issues affecting communities rather than being perceived as defending the government at all times.
Prof Hamad’s public engagement tour is continuing across Zanzibar, with a meeting with residents of Mjini District scheduled for August 20.
