The United Nations is leading negotiations between Zanzibar Presidential candidate on Civic United Front (CUF), Seif Sharif Hamad and the government to rescue the Isles from caving in into political anarchy.
Hamad, who is also the CUF secretary general disclosed here yesterday when addressing journalists, saying the talks which were also attended by representatives from international observers are proceeding well, calling the people of Zanzibar to stay calm.
He said the talks were going on well, hoping that they will come up with amicable solutions in resolving the crisis.
On Friday, Hamad, who is popularly referred to as Maalim Seif issued a three-day ultimatum to the Zanzibar government to proceed with the release of the election results or let Zanzibaris decide their own fate. The ultimatum ended yesterday.The move follows the decision reached last week by the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairman, Jecha Salim Jecha, to nullify the General Election.
The ZEC chairman claimed that the election wasn’t transparent and had a number of shortfalls.
Though Hamad did not explain the actual ongoing efforts and how far they have gone, he stressed: “It is too early to say anything, but the public will be alerted on the talks as they proceed.”
The CUF leader said some of the delegates who have intervened and are working hard to resolve the crisis are the United Nations (UN), some Tanzanian friends, international communities, especially those who had brought observes in the General Election, some of the country’s senior retired leaders, religious leaders and the Register of Political Party, Judge Francis Mutungi.
“We are now hopeful and have faith that solution on the matter will be found as soon as possible,” Hamad told newsmen in the Isles, asking Zanzibaris to be ready to get their democratic right they have been waiting for a long time.
The CUF’s presidential candidate, who is also the isles outgoing First Vice President urged Zanzibaris to ensure that peace and harmony are maintained, when leaders of the two sides are struggling to resolve the political impasse.
He added: “We want to show the world that what we are demanding for is for the benefit of the people and democracy can be sought without shedding blood, but through peaceful means.”
He said that they (CUF) will wash their hands and leave the matter to the Zanzibaris to decide their fate, if the two sides would fail to reach an agreement.
Hamad said he was also puzzled by the ZEC chairman’s move to call his commissioners and convincing them to agree on his decision to nullify the well conducted election.
“It is too late for Jecha and the only thing left for him is to proceed with the release of the results.”
He also urged the outgoing Union President, Jakaya Kikwete and Outgoing Isles President who is also the CCM presidential candidate, Dr Ali Mohamed Shein to see how best to resolve the problem so as to save Zanzibar and the Union from shame.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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