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Political Stalemate in Zanzibar Has No Effect on Security in Tanzania: FM
Tanzanian Foreign Minister Jakaya Kikwete has said that the political stalemate in the semiautonomous Zanzibar region between the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and the major opposition Civic United Front (CUF) has no effect on the overall security of the country, the official Daily News reported on Friday.
Speaking to a visiting delegation of the United Kingdom Royal College of Defense here on Thursday, the minister said that Tanzania has a history of political stability, adding that the process to remove the political standoff in Zanzibar after the controversial general elections in October last year is going on very well.
"CCM and the opposition CUF are working very hard to end their differences and negotiations on the matter have reached advanced stage," Kikwete said.
He told the delegation that Tanzania is a peaceful country and the government will strive to sustain the prevailing environment.
The CUF has been Tanzania's main opposition party since the east African country adopted multiparty system in 1992, but with the ruling CCM strong on the mainland, it has its power base in predominantly Muslim Zanzibar isles.
Violence has dogged Zanzibar since last general elections. The CUF alleged that the elections on the isles were marred by ballot- rigging and police intimidation.
It refused to recognize CCM's victory in Zanzibar, boycotted a partial revote and demanded a fresh reelection. Other requests include rewriting of the constitution and reforming of electoral commissions.
Political dialogue between the two parties, which started last March, is still going on.
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