AS Zanzibar gears up to celebrate its 52nd Revolution anniversary on January 12th, the government has said the celebrations are crucial because it symbolizes unity of the people in the Islands.“The revolutionary Day remains important to Zanzibaris because it’s a symbol of unity and love. We need to maintain it,” Mr Mohamed Aboud Mohammed, the Minister of State said here.
He said that costs will be minimized, and the provisional timetable shows several development programs in health, water, education, roads and sports will be inaugurated beginning January 03, 2016.

“Our top leaders, President Ali Mohamed Shein, First Vice President, Mr Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, Second Vice President Ambassador, Seif Ali Iddi, retired leaders and serving ministers will officiate the events,” Mr Aboud said.
He said that although Maalim Seif and ministers from the Civic United Front (CUF) are disputing the current government under Dr Shein, they have been included in the anniversary timetable as guests of honour in different functions.
“Mr Hamad and ministers from CUF, currently on boycott, are still recognized and are still being paid monthly salary. None of them has written a letter of resignation to the president or the Chief Secretary,” said Mr Aboud.
He said that it is not correct to compare Zanzibar revolution anniversary celebrations which costed between 400m/= and 600m/= with the Tanzania mainland celebrations which costed billions.
Mr Aboud said the cost for the revolutionary celebrations may further be reduced but Zanzibaris should prepare to celebrate. “Retired presidents, foreign diplomats and serving leaders in the Union government and Zanzibar are expected to attend,” he said.
He further stated that discussions at the state house between CUF’s, Maalim Seif and Dr Shein continues with hope that soon there will be solution to the political conflict which started after Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC), chairman, Mr Jecha Salim Jecha nullified the October 25 elections citing fraud.
ZEC promised a re-run, probably after the January 12 Revolution Day celebrations, but CUF has been opposing fresh elections saying its candidate Mr Hamad was assured of victory before the nullification.