Zanzibar fresh polls inevitable-Amb Seif

ISSA YUSSUF in Zanzibar

Second Vice-President, Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi

THE Second Vice-President, Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi, has said that the ongoing political discussion at the Zanzibar State House is centred at maintaining peace and stability for the Islands development, and not avoiding fresh polls.

“We are on track and soon a joint statement will be released as President Dr John Pombe Maguful has also been pushing for quick solution for the political impasse in Zanzibar following the nullification of the October 25, 2015 polls,” said Mr Iddi.

He said at a press conference held at his office in Stone Town that while the Civic United Front (CUF) members are being fed with wrong information, the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and other political parties “are eagerly waiting for the fresh polls timetable from ZEC.”

Amb Seif said that the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) nullified the polls due to massive cheating and promised fresh polls. “Let us wait, work together for the development of our Islands.

Dr Magufuli met the First Vice-President, Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, before meeting Dr Ali Mohamed Shein,” said Mr Iddi. He said the budget for the fresh election is ready, which is not different from the nullified polls, about 7.5bn/-, and that people in Zanzibar should concentrate on national development instead of speculation (dubbed dripu).

He informed Journalists that the Zanzibar government is now focusing on the upcoming 52nd Anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution (Mapinduzi) celebration beginning today, with nationwide cleaning of the environment.

Amb Seif dismissed as mere rumours that Zanzibar government had no money for the Mapinduzi celebration and that the union government under Dr Magufuli had refused to support the annual celebrations, saying that these are unfounded speculations and people should ignore it.

“A total of 24 development projects including 16 which are finished, have been listed for the 52nd Mapinduzi celebration, which include inauguration, or laying of a foundation- stone. We planned together in the Government of National Unity (GNU) which includes CCM and CUF, but the latter’s leader, Mr Maalim Seif, has rejected to take part,” said Amb. Seif.

Mr Maalim Seif claims he and other ministers from CUF will not take part in this year’s Mapinduzi celebrations because the government led by Dr Shein is against the law.

“Til after the swearing-in he claim is not true as par Zanzibar constitution Section 28 (1) and even we ministers remain valid untof the new president,” he said.

According to CUF leaders including its Lawyer Mr Abubakar Khamis Bakar, the Minister for Constitution from CUF maintains that Dr Shein’s term in office has expired and they (CUF ministers) will not take part in any activity organized by the illegal regime.

Amb. Seif said the climax of the revolution on January 12, 2016 at Amani Stadium will be attended by Union President Dr John Pombe Magufuli, ministers from the Union government, ambassadors from foreign countries in Dar es Salaam and retired leaders.