Dissertation (MA International Relations)The role of political parties on shaping the Government of National Unity (GNU) was determined in this study. To accomplish the study different members of the two political parties (CCM and CUF) in urban west regions of Zanzibar were involved. The information about role played by political parties in the formation and shaping of GNU, strategies that can be employed by political parties on shaping the GNU were determined. The data was collected through questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. About five roles were indicated. A total of 205 responses (due to multiple responses) were given in the study area. About 68 (33.2%) indicated conflict resolution, 43 (21%) indicated maintaining peace and security, 36 (17.6%) establishment of opinion vote, 30 (14.6%) welcoming outside reconciliatory and cooperate with the religious leaders to bring peace in the nation 28 (13.7%) respectively. About 10 respondents (100%) from 4 political parties (CCM, CUF, CHADEMA and TLP), 6 respondents (60%) from CCM replied the current role of political parties in shaping GNU is sharing of political positions in all level, while (2 (20%), 1(10%) and1 (%) respondents) from CUF, CHADEMA and TLP respectively argue against from CCM party, they said there is no equal distribution of political positions in all political parties, only CCM who possess large number of positions in the government. Five strategies were identified. Equal participation of all parties in the political processes, elimination of differences among political parties, formulation of regulations that would consider equal distribution of position, formulation of national policies to deal with the GNU. This result suggests that the major role played by political parties in the formation of the Government of National Union was to resolve political conflicts which were very common in the islands.