Tanzania, April 24 -- Dar es Salaam. Just two days before Tanzania celebrates 60 years of unification between Tanganyika and Zanzibar to form a United Republic, a parliamentarian hailing from the isles has ignited a debate that threatens the Union.

Konde Constituency Member of Parliament, Mohammed Said Issa, has sparked a debate on both sides of the Union by suggesting that the government reinstate the use of passports for mainland Tanzanians crossing to Zanzibar.

The Immigration Act of 1972, which required passports for this purpose, was repealed in July 1995. Currently, only foreign nationals are required to present their passports at entry points in Zanzibar, such as airports and seaports.

Mr. Issa, without providing supporting figu...