NRA pledges to remove trade barriers between Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland 

ZANZIBAR: The National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA) has pledged to remove barriers that restrict trade between Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland, saying the move would help people in Unguja and Pemba lift themselves out of poverty.

Speaking to traders and residents at Darajani in Zanzibar Town, the party’s Union presidential candidate, Hassan Almas Kitabia, said if there is truly a union of two countries, then there should be no boundaries that create unnecessary restrictions.

“Elect me to become your next president, ans I will ensure smooth business between Zanzibar and Mainland,” he  stressed the need to eliminate barriers that hinder business so that people can pursue economic activities more freely, supported by friendly laws that do not burden citizens.

While acknowledging the importance of the Union, which he said people cherish, Kitabia noted that it comes with challenges that NRA will make a priority to address.

“Zanzibaris have their unique issues that must be safeguarded, and this protection will add value to the Union and strengthen the brotherhood between citizens of Mainland Tanzania and the Isles,” he explained.

Zanzibaris have their unique issues that must be safeguarded, and this protection will add value to the Union and strengthen the brotherhood between citizens of Mainland Tanzania and the Isles,” he explained.

He added: “We in NRA have said we will deal with the shortcomings and difficulties within the Union so that both Zanzibaris and Tanganyikans can go about their affairs without restrictions.”

Kitabia said during campaign meetings in Pemba, residents told him their main concern was the clove crop. Farmers want the government to liberalize the sector so they can sell freely, to any buyer and at prices they choose. He promised that NRA’s presidential candidate for Zanzibar would be advised to prioritize these demands if elected.

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On the marine economy, Kitabia raised concerns over underutilization of the ocean’s resources, saying it was surprising that “many Zanzibaris know little of the wealth in the sea beyond swimming.”

He noted that while the Blue Economy policy introduced under the Eighth Phase Government was a good initiative, NRA intends to bring even better strategies, including adding more value to marine products.

Earlier, NRA running mate Khamis Ali Hassan urged members, Zanzibaris, and Tanzanians in general to turn out and vote peacefully and then return to their normal activities.

He emphasized that NRA does not expect its members to remain at polling stations guarding votes, since election agents and other officials are legally mandated to do so.

“NRA is not a party of violence, and we have always stressed the duty to safeguard our peace. No one should use the elections to disturb it. Once you vote, leave the polling station and continue with your life—remember, there is life after the election,” he concluded