ZANZIBAR: THE Zanzibar House of Representatives is set to convene its second session of the 11th House tomorrow, the Clerk of the House, Ms Raya Issa Mselem, has announced.
Speaking at a press conference held yesterday at the House’s conference room, Ms Mselem said the session will bring together all 80 members of the House, including the Speaker, to deliberate on a wide range of legislative, policy and institutional matters.
She noted that one of the key components of the session will be questions and answers, with the House Secretariat having received a total of 249 questions from members, of which 220 questions have been scheduled for debate during the two-week session.
“Among other major agenda items are the election of Chairpersons of the Zanzibar House of Representatives and the election of five representatives to the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania from Zanzibar,” she said.
Ms Mselem added that members will also debate the inaugural address delivered by the President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, on November 10, 2025.
The House will further discuss and approve the National Development Plan Framework for the 2026/2027 financial year. She said the session will also feature elections of leaders for various parliamentary and affiliated bodies, including the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) – Zanzibar Region, the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Zanzibar Chapter and the Zanzibar House Women’s Association (UWAWAZA).
Members will additionally elect leaders for the African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC) Zanzibar Chapter, as well as associations focusing on climate change, HIV/AIDS, population and development and the House Sports Club.
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In a bid to enhance digital access to parliamentary documents and proceedings, Ms Mselem revealed that all members have been supplied with tablets to support the use of information and communication technology (ICT).
During the briefing, the Clerk appealed to members to uphold ethics, discipline and professionalism throughout the session, urging them to observe parliamentary conduct and avoid late coming to ensure smooth running of House business.
The Second Session is expected to play a critical role in shaping Zanzibar’s legislative agenda and development priorities for the coming year.