Zanzibar election laws for review

ISSA YUSSUF in Zanzibar

Minister of State, Second President’s Office (election affairs) Mr Mohamed Aboud

IN an effort to avoid a repeat of problems that led to the nullification of the October 2015 general election in Zanzibar, the ‘election Law No. 11 of 1984’ is to be reviewed, Members of the House of Representatives have been informed.

A statement from Minister of State, Second President’s Office (election affairs) Mr Mohamed Aboud Mohamed was in response to questions asked by backbenchers including Mr Yussuf Hassan Iddi (FUONI) who wanted to know the development of the hunt for people who spoiled the election.

In addition to reviewing the laws, the minister said that there will be proper screening of applicants (presiding officers and other staffs) to work for ZEC during election so that only patriotic people can get the job.

“Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) was prompted to nullify the elections last year after deliberate disruption by dishonest officers in collaboration with politicians. Police are still investigating to compile evidence so that all who were behind are charged in court,” Mr Aboud said.

The minister said further that there are politicians (he did not mention names) and their followers who are still trying to destabilize the current political stability by instigating boycotts and disobedience, as he issued a warning, “We will deal with them accordingly.

They should not blame anybody.” It has been widely reported by a section of the media, including social media, that leaders of the Civic United Front (CUF) led by Mr Maalim Seif Sharif have been asking their followers to disobey the government including motivating them not to pay taxes