Up to the 2010 general election, CUF enjoyed a position as the major opposition party thanks to its political influence in Zanzibar while struggling somewhat in the Mainland, while Chadema has gained popularity on the Mainland but its influence in the Isles has remained sporadic, in like manner as the NCCR-Mageuzi, for both areas.
Hadi kufikia uchaguzi mkuu wa 2010, CUF ilikuwa na nafasi ya kuwa chama kikuu cha upinzani kutokana na ushawishi wake wa kisiasa visiwani Zanzibar huku ikihangaika kwa kiasi fulani Bara, huku Chadema ikijizolea umaarufu Bara lakini mvuto wake visiwani humo umekuwa wa hapa na pale. namna NCCR-Mageuzi, kwa maeneo yote mawili.