Assessment of power-sharing and its relevance to democracy in Africa: the case of Zanzibar

This study assessed the power-sharing system and its relevance to democracy in Africa by examining the case study of Zanzibar. The study examined the extent of political representation in relation to the type of government; the extent of government legitimacy in relation to the type of government as well as the extent of democracy and harmony in society in relation to type of government, i.e. the winner- takes all versus government of national unity. The population of study involved the people of Urban and West region which included government officials, political parties’ leaders and members of community in the area. The study sampled 180 respondents, out of whom 160 filled questionnaires and 20 were engaged in in-depth interviews. The respondents for questionnaires were randomly selected while interview participants were selected purposefully. Apart from questionnaires and interviews, documentary review was also adopted for secondary data. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyze the data.The analysed data were presented in the form of descriptions, tables with frequencies and percentages.The findings of the study conclude that GNU is an asset to peace, harmony and promotion of democracy in Zanzibar as an example of divided society in Africa.. For sustainable democracy and harmony, it is therefore recommend that GNU should be extended beyond the cabinet and House of Representatives; education on the purpose of the GNU should be delivered. The cabinet should be guided by a blended manifesto agreed by all partner parties in the GNU. Lastly the GNU should improve living conditions of its subjects so as to gain more trust.