Shein eyes another term in Zanzibar

Zanzibar President Ali Mohammed Shein displays a briefcase containing CCM nomination forms after collecting them in Zanzibar yesterday. Dr Shein is seeking a second and final term as Zanzibar President. PHOTO|TALIB USSI 

By Mwinyi Sadallah The Citizen Reporter

In Summary

“I want to assure you that I will form and lead a government which will stick to the principles of good governance, including transparency and accountability” ZANZIBAR PRESIDENT ALI MOHAMMED SHEIN    

Dr Shein is the sixth politician to declare his intention to contest the Zanzibar presidency in the October poll. He joins CUF Secretary General and Zanzibar’s First Vice President Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, Mr Hamad Rashid Mohamed (ADC), TADEA Secretary General Juma Ali Khatib, AFP Chairman Saidi Soud and NCCR Mageuzi Vice Chairman Ambar Khamis Haji.  

Zanzibar. Zanzibar President Ali Mohamed Shein collected CCM nomination forms yesterday, signalling his intention to defend his seat in the October General Election.

Dr Shein exuded confidence that he would beat the opposition should his party nominate him.

He received the forms from CCM Zanzibar Deputy Secretary General Vuai Ali Vuai at the party’s Kisiwandui headquarters. The incumbent, who was accompanied by CCM cadres, said he would ensure his government lived up to the principles of good governance and transparency should he be re-elected.

President Shein, who is also CCM Vice Chairman (Zanzibar), said he had led the government of national unity in implementing CCM’s 2010-2015 election manifesto and also strengthened national unity. The president, who was addressing CCM leaders from six regions shortly after collecting the forms, said he laid the foundation for good governance in 2010 after he met officials from each ministry and evaluated their performance.

“I want to assure you that I will form and lead a government which will stick to the principles of good governance, including transparency and accountability,” he said, “and champion a government capable of fulfilling its responsibility and protecting human rights and the constitution.”

Dr Shein said he would continue protecting the pillars of the Zanzibar revolution and the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar should he be nominated. His wish list also includes building a strong economy by strengthening the agriculture, fisheries and industrial sector along with attracting investors.

Amid applause from the crowd, he added: “There are a few people who have been disregarding the success of the Zanzibar revolution and the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar but I want to assure you that if I become Zanzibar President for a second term I will always protect the revolution and the union.”

During his first term, he said, the economy of the Isles grew from 2.6 per cent in 2010 to seven per cent in 2015--and revenue collection rose from Sh13.5 billion in 2010 to Sh35 billion in 2015. If Zanzibar’s economy is to grow, the President added, his administration would give top priority to peace and security.

“As a Muslim faithful, I won’t deny anyone his or her right,” he pledged, “because, in doing so, I would be committing a sin. I will make sure people get their rights at the right time.”

Dr Shein is optimistic that CCM will win the election due to the “good work” of his government in the past five years. He outlined his successes as improvement of infrastructure, which includes renovating Abeid Amani International Airport and roads, along with improving the welfare of civil servants.

“I have no doubt that we will win the election just as we did in 2010,” Dr Shein added. “I have no doubt about that.”