HC Deb 16 June 1959 vol 607 c23W
68. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he has yet appointed the Committee to consider the question of the extension of the franchise to women in Zanzibar Protectorate; and what is the composition of the Committee.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The Zanzibar Government set up a Committee in April to consider this question. The Committee's report has now been submitted to the British Resident.

Following are details of the composition of the Committee and its terms of reference: Chairman: Mr. M. V. Smithyman. Members: Bibi Samira Salim Seif El-Mammery. Hon. Hilal Mohamed Hilal El-Barwani. Hon. Abeid Karume. Hon. S. M. Chowdhary. Seyyid Omar Abdulla. The terms of reference were— To investigate and advise:

  1. (a) whether women should be granted the right to vote in the election of unofficial members of the Legislative Council, and if the answer is in the affirmative
  2. (b) to advise:
    1. (i) whether they should be granted this right in respect of the 1960 or later elections;
    2. (ii) the qualifications which should be required for female voters having regard to the effect and scope of the literacy, income or property qualifications contained in the present law;
    3. (iii) whether any special arrangements should be made for female voters at any stage in the election procedure.

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