‘Reconciliation Is Not the End of the Journey’: Othman Sworn In as Zanzibar’s First VP

Zanzibar – President Hussein Ali Mwinyi on Tuesday swore in ACT-Wazalendo national chairperson Othman Masoud Othman as Zanzibar’s First Vice President at State House, completing the appointment that restored the opposition party to the Government of National Unity.

The ceremony followed President Mwinyi’s September 18 reappointment notice and was confirmed by the Zanzibar State House. Othman took the constitutional oath of allegiance and further oaths of office and Revolutionary Council service.

The appointment makes Othman the President’s principal adviser and a member of the Revolutionary Council, while leaving the detailed functions of the office to be assigned by the President.

Under Article 39 of Zanzibar’s Constitution, the President appoints the First Vice President after consulting the qualifying party that came second in the presidential election; the office is distinct from the Second Vice President’s role as leader of government business in the House of Representatives.