CSO exhibition ends in Zanzibar

The participation of citizens in governance processes, including budgeting, was underscored at the Civil Society Exhibition and Dialogue that was recently concluded in Zanzibar.
“If a government wants to achieve results, it can not do away with public involvement in its budgeting process,” said Hon Pandu Ameir Kificho, the Speaker of House of Representatives of Zanzibar in a speech read on his behalf by Hon. Mahmoud Mohammed during the exhibition which was held on April 2 – 3, 2012. The theme of the exhibition and dialogue was: ‘How The House Of Representatives And CSOs Can Enhance Greater Participation In The Process Of Organising, Managing And Monitoring The Government Budget.’
Hon Kificho added, “I am happy to see the theme of this year’s exhibition and dialogue. This is very important because citizens are the ones who know the development priorities within their areas. Their participation maximises the chances of success of development programmes.”
The Speaker expressed government’s support for CSOs describing them as “one of the biggest stakeholders in development.”
The Civil Society Exhibition and Dialogue has been hosted by the Network of Civil Society in Zanzibar (ANGOZA) with support from the Foundation for Civil Society since 2007. It brings together representatives of CSOs, members of the House of Representatives and the government as a means to strengthen their cooperation in working together to reduce poverty. This year’s event was attended by Total of 110 exhibitors from Zanzibar.
Some of the achievements that this forum has so far registered include the government’s move, after the 2009 exhibition, to start taking action on findings from Public Expenditure Tracking projects implemented by CSOs. The PETS have thus been acknowledged as a major force in enhancing effectiveness of budget performances.
In the speech, the Speaker further hailed the forum as an opportunity for government to understand the activities of CSOs and to exchange views on pertinent issues. “Government and CSOs are like two sides of the same coin and they are also partners, not competitors, with the responsibility of promoting development,” he said.
CSOs in Zanzibar have been involved in various projects that promote governance, accountability and human rights as well as social safety nets.