Prior to this, the Revolutionary Council held both the executive and legislative functions for 16 years following the Zanzibar Revolution in 1964.

[2] ACT-Wazalendo achieved more than 10% of the vote and thus was included into the Government of National Unity according to the Zanzibar constitution.

After a split in the so far strong CUF opposition party, most members and votes had shifted to ACT-W.

The legislature formed in 2016 after the 2016 Zanzibari general elections consisted of 88 members.

[5] The results of the past elections held under the multiparty system are as follows:[6] The 2010 Zanzibari general election saw an almost equal division of votes between the two leading parties.