THE newly elected members of the ‘Zanzibar House of Representatives (ZHRs) from Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) have nominated Mr Zubeir Ali Maulid (48), as the new speaker of the House.
The unexpected changes sparked a debate
among Zanzibaris because Mr Pandu Ameir Kificho, a long serving
politician and Member of the party’s Central Committee (CC), was seen as
a strong contender in the race.
Kificho (66), who took over as House
Speaker in 1995, was quick to concede defeat after collecting only 11
votes against Mr Maulid who scooped 55 out of 72 votes. “I congratulate
you and I believe the elections were free and fair.
I respect the decision made by the new
members.” A retired famous magistrate, Ms Janet Sekihola, was among
three competitors who got four votes, according to the facilitator of
the nomination elections held at CCM Kisiwandui office, Ms Waride Bakar
Jabu. Two votes were spoilt. In the first meeting of the House next
week, all members will endorse the new speaker as all the elected
members from 54 constituencies and special seats are from CCM.
Mr Zubeir Ali Maulid born on March 25,
1968 served as members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives from the
year 2000 to 2005. He also served as Isles Minister for Communication.
He then became Member of the Union Parliament (MP) from 2005.
He was also one of the Speaker’s
assistants (House Chairpersons) in the Union Parliament. “I am happy to
be nominated as speaker. I have the ability to manage because I was once
an assistant to the speaker of the Union Parliament,” Ms Maulid said.
If approved as the new House Speaker, Mr
Maulid will assume one of the most challenging political offices, but
with relief because of the absence of opposition members in the House.
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