THERE is no better way to solve the political impasse in Zanzibar than another round of the ballot box, the government has reaffirmed.
The remarks were made by President John Magufuli in Dar es Salaam yesterday, whose speech was read on his behalf by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, East Africa, Regional and International Cooperation, Ambassador Augustine Mahiga, during a diplomatic gathering at the State House in the city yesterday.
The president said although the United Republic of Tanzania is one country, Zanzibar has its own political system, constitution, government and an independent electoral commission.
“The commissioner annulled the election following gross irregularities, especially in Pemba. A new date has been set in accordance with the Zanzibar constitution requirement; dialogue between the parties has been on since November 2015 without reaching a consensus on how to solve the disputed election results.He noted that while the Isles’ main opposition party, Civic United Front (CUF), unilaterally declared victory after the October 2015 elections, CCM and other political parties see the need for another round of elections.
“In this situation, it is common political wisdom that such political impasse does not augur well with peace and stability in Zanzibar,” he explained, noting that the opposition should validate claims that they won the elections through the ballot box.
He said refusal to participate in the election is to reject an amicable compromise as well as setting a recipe for protracted political antagonism in the next five years.
“We urge, I urge, as the majority of Tanzania do, for the opposition to validate their claims that they won through the ballot box.
There is no better way to resolve this impasse than through another round of free, fair and transparent elections. We hope all friends of Zanzibar and Tanzania as a whole will support this option,” he said.
He said the election has been set for March 20, noting that there are more than 40 days in which dialogue can still be possible.
He expressed his appreciation to all parties that supported Tanzania throughout the entire electoral process, including the international observers who monitored the elections. He stressed that since the election is over on the Mainland, it was now time to work as his motto ‘Hapa Kazi Tu’ stipulates.
“New governments come with new strength, new way of thinking, new zeal and new zest. I count on your support in my efforts to transform and revitalise the integrity of the government, respect to human rights, good performance and sustainable socio-economic changes for the benefit of all Tanzanians.,” he told his audience.
He restated Tanzania’s resolve to fight terrorism, both domestically and globally, drugs and human trafficking and the spread of small arms and light weapons.
“We appeal to our partners to assist us, especially in the areas of information sharing, capacity building and technical support,” he said.
He urged the diplomats and their countries to continue working with the government of Tanzania, especially now that it has an ambitious development plan that includes fighting graft for the betterment of all Tanzanians .
The Acting Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Zimbabwe High Commissioner Brigadier General (Retired) Edzai Chimonyo congratulated Dr Magufuli for being elected the fifth president of Tanzania as well as Tanzanians for the way they conducted themselves during and after the elections, especially in maintenance of peace.
“Indeed it is time for Tanzania to walk the talk in its resolve to confront vices that were holding the nation back from uplifting millions from abject poverty.
Through industrialism and engagement to private sector it is expected that the country’s economy will perform strongly while inflation will be relatively contained,” he hoped.
/Daily News.
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