Below is an article published by Daily News:

Most Zanzibari legislators yesterday called for more time to discuss fast-tracking of proposed East Africa Federation (EAF), saying the set 2013 date was too short for meaningful regional integration.

Speaking before the committee that is collecting public opinion on the matter, the legislators suggested more time to study the implications of a federation to Tanzania.

Abubakar Khamis Bakar ( Utaani-CUF) suggested that more time should be given to deliberate on the proposed EAF, saying fasttracking would not give Tanzania ample time to study the advantages and disadvantages of the federation.

He said it was also important that the proposed federation safeguarded Zanzibar’s interests as enshrined in the union, short of which, he said he would be forced take the union government to court for marginalizing Zanzibar.

“If we are to embrace the EA federation, then we must consider the agreement of the union structure between Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. But if the federation would marginalize Zanzibar then there is no point of having it,” he said.

Machano Othman Said (Mwembe Makumbi-CCM) said the phrase “fast-tracking” signified that Tanzania was in a hurry, something he said demanded more time to ponder on rather than rush into it.

“What is the point of fast-tracking in a serious matter like this one” he said adding that since Zanzibar was economically weaker, special programme should be devised to ensure that it traded on equal terms with the Mainland before embracing the federation.

Hija Hassan Hija (Kiwani-CUF) was of the opinion that Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda traded on different political and economic structures and that before accepting the federation there was a need to harmonize existing operational differences.
Dr Mwinyihaji Makame (Dimani-CCM) was also against the fast tracking method, noting also that it was a matter that required more attention. “This should be a slow tracking rather than a fast-tracking regional federation,” he said.

Dr Makame, who is also Minister responsible for Finance and Economic Planning, said it was important for Tanzania to seriously study the proposal, especially its benefit before moving further.