SHAMHUNA TO VOTE FOR NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT.

Zanzibar — The formation of a unity government in Zanzibar, yesterday received support from another influential Zanzibar Cabinet member, Mr Ali Juma Shamhuna.

Mr Shamhuna who is the minister for Information, Sports and Culture, told reporters in his office that he fully supports the recent agreement between President Amani Abeid Karume and Civic United Front secretary general and consequent agreement to end political stalemate in the Isles.

He becomes the second minister in Zanzibar to declare his support for the formation of a unity government.

A private motion which seek to incorporate this in the Zanzibar Constitution, has already been presented by the leader of officials opposition in the House of Representatives, Mr Abubakar Khamis Bakary. It now waiting a decision by the Speaker, Mr Pandu Ameir Kificho, if it will be discussed when the House enters its second week of business today.

Last week, the minister for Water, Works, Energy and Lands, Mr Mansoor Yusuf Himid, was the first minister to publicly declare his support to the private motion, saying it was the best way of addressing Zanzibar's persistent political wrangles.

Mr Shamhuma, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister, said yesterday that he will also support the private motion as it seeks formation of a unity government. He said formation of a unity government was a decision reached by CCM National Executive Committee (NEC) during its March 2008 meeting held in Butiama.

"If the private motion focuses on the formation of a unity government, I am going to support it because that is what we in CCM decided in Butiama. But it should be recalled that we agreed this should be decided by the people. If there are any other changes we should discuss them in our party before reaching a common position," he said.

Mr Shamhuna statement come at a time when CCM leaders are locked in series of top meetings to deliberate on the recent developments in the Zanzibar political situation.

Reports from within the ruling part said the CUF agenda to extend the presidential term and the formation of a unity government, are the main agendas of the ruling party meetings. Yesterday, CCM had to cancel its Central Committee meeting in order to allow the special committee on Zanzibar to meet.

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Meanwhile, CUF yesterday refuted media reports that the party has already started to line up its Cabinet positions in the new inclusive government. A statement issued by CUF director for Publicity and Public Relations, Mr Salim Bimani, said the political reconciliation in Zanzibar was not a CUF agenda per se as it involves all Zanzibaris.

"CUF has not planned any celebrations or a line up of Cabinet ministers because these are minor issues preoccupying the interests of the people which CUF focuses on," said Mr Bimani.

He said those who think that the on going development are beneficial to CUF, are missing the point as peace and harmonisation in Zanzibar was for every Zanzibaris and not CUF or CCM alone.

Ruling party legislators supporting private motion on the matter risk disciplinary action

Ruling party legislators supporting private motion on the matter risk
`disciplinary action`*
Vice Chairman of CCM (Zanzibar), president Aman Abeid Karume, (C),
clapping at the start of a special meeting of CCM National Executive
Committee (NEC) in Zanzibar. (Photo: VPO)

The ruling CCM warned yesterday that it would take disciplinary action
against its legislators who will support a private motion in the Zanzibar
House of Representatives seeking the formation of a coalition government in
Zanzibar. Vuai Ali Vuai, the party’s publicity secretary in the Isles,
issued the warning at a National Electoral Committee meeting held here at
the weekend.

He said all CCM members in the House of Representatives are duty bound to
respect the resolutions reached at the committee’s March 2008 meeting at
Butiama, Mara Region.

It was widely believed that the CCM top organ’s expected endorsement of a
power sharing deal between the ruling party and the opposition Civic United
Front (CUF) would have ended the inter-party political conflict triggered by
the disputed 2005 polls in Zanzibar. However, no such endorsement was
forthcoming, as the ruling party instead recommended the holding of a
referendum in Zanzibar on the matter. The plan was that the formation of a
coalition government for Zanzibar could be considered only after the
referendum.

“All party members in the House of Representatives are responsible for
defending and protecting the Butiama agreement. *Punitive measures will be
taken against and anyone going against the letter and spirit of the accord,”
* noted Vuai.

Plans to form a coalition government in Zanzibar failed after CUF refused to
resume ‘muafaka’ (reconciliation) talks with CCM, arguing that the decision
to hold a referendum reached at Butiama ran against a previous deal
involving the two parties. “After lengthy deliberations on the coalition
government idea, CCM members in the House of Representatives have been given
the opportunity to discuss the motion, which will be tabled in the House. *But
they are still duty bound to defend and protect the party’s
interests,”*stated Vuai.

He added that Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume had declared at a recent
meeting with members of the powerful CCM committee that he had no plans to
contravene the Constitution and seek to extend his presidential tenure after
it expires in October.

The private motion on the formation of coalition government is expected to
be tabled in the House of Representatives any time this week and either
endorsed or rejected. But there are complications, mainly associated with
the country’s constitutional (Union) set-up, under which *Zanzibar enjoy
autonomy only in relation to some aspects.*

Zanzibar residents are widely divided over the issue, with some supporting
the referendum idea and others wanting the sweeping changes sought to take
effect straight away.



SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Norwegian envoy denies financing Karume, Hamad deal

Norwegian envoy denies financing Karume, Hamad deal

"What is needed is not constitutional engineering to postpone elections, but consistent efforts to build confidence" Mr John Lomoy
NORWEGIAN embassy has denied allegations that it bankrolled a recent political agreement between the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), and Zanzibar’s main opposition, Civic United Front (CUF) allegedly because its companies were interested in extracting petroleum in a stable environment.

Norwegian Ambassador to Tanzania John Lomoy said in a statement today that his country paid tribute to Chama Cha Mapinduzi and CUF after Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume had a meeting with his bitterest rival, Seif Shariff Hamad.

“We do not finance political parties, and we have not given any financial support to CCM nor to CUF,” Ambassador Lomoy said in a statement while responding to ‘Daily News’ questions on reports that the Scandinavian country bankrolled the deal.

Mr Lomoy expressed hope that the momentum built after the CUF Secretary General met President Karume and the opposition party’s official position to recognise the later as legitimate Zanzibar head of state, will lead to a binding agreement.

Norway has been in the forefront in encouraging CUF and CCM to reconcile after the disputed 2005 general election results which Karume won a second term in an election whose results were rejected by the opposition and international observers.

“We hope and trust that the two leaders and their parties will have the courage to take the process forward, and institutionalise a new political culture in Zanzibar,” Lomoy underlined.

Norway has also been a strong development partner to the Spice islands assisting in funding several infrastructure projects including the ongoing submarine electric cable to supply Pemba with national grid electricity from Pangani in Tanga.

On reports that Norway was allegedly interested in drilling petroleum off the coast of Pemba, the ambassador said so far there has been no confirmed interest from any companies from Oslo.

So far only one Norwegian company is involved in oil exploration in Tanzania, Statoilhydro. The company has a concession for an offshore block in southern coastal regions of the country.

“I am not aware that they – or other Norwegian oil companies – have expressed any interest in Zanzibar.

Should they do so, they will have to compete on normal commercial terms with other companies for concessions, in accordance with Tanzanian laws and regulations,” Ambassador Lomoy said.

Source:dailynew

ZANZIBAR President Amani Abeid Karume yesterday reaffirmed that he is not ready to extend his presidential term.

ZANZIBAR President Amani Abeid Karume yesterday reaffirmed that he is not ready to extend his presidential term.

President Karume told the CCM National Executive Committee (NEC) for Zanzibar, that he still stood by his statement on the 46th Zanzibar Revolution Anniversary celebrations in Pemba, on extension of his tenure of office.

There has been mounting pressure by the opposition Civic United Front (CUF), for constitutional changes to allow Dr Karume, who is serving his second and final five-year presidential term that ends in October, to continue with Zanzibar presidency.

Briefing reporters after a one-day meeting of Zanzibar NEC chaired by Dr Karume, CCM Deputy Secretary General, Mr Saleh Ramadhan Feruzi, said that the issue came up after some members asked for a formal statement on the matter.

"The president said the debate on the issue is closed, because he had already made the statement on it and is not willing to spend more time explaining it anymore," Mr Feruzi said.

He said the meeting was also attended by the Vice- President, Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, former president Ali Hassan Mwinyi, Chief Minister, Shamsi Vuai Nahodha and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Pandu Ameir Kificho.

He said the delegates, among other things, demanded a formal statement on the discussions between President Karume and the CUF Secretary General, Mr Seif Sharrif Hamad, when they met at the State House in Zanzibar recently.

After the meeting, Mr Hamad declared that CUF was formally recognising Dr Karume, as the legitimate winner of the 2005 presidential poll.

Mr Feruzi further said the meeting also discussed the private motion moved by CUF legislators in the House of Representatives, calling for a government of national unity in Zanzibar.

"The delegates supported the move by the CUF representatives, but resolved that the matter should not be discussed by NEC until it has been exhausted in the House of Representatives," he said.

However, he said that the delegates resolved further that any proposal for the government of national unity must be decided through a referendum.

"If you may recall, the NEC meeting in Butiama, last year, agreed on the formation of a government of national unity, but the move should be decided through a referendum," he said.

WAR IN SIDE THE RULING PARTY CCM

PIUS MSEKWA RULING PARTY VICE CHAIRMAN

Pius Msekwa , the ruling party’s Vice Chairman, has finally revealed what really transpired during the last year’s August meeting in which Speaker of the National Assembly came under strong criticism from some NEC members.

Msekwa’s revelation comes as the country awaits the final report to be tabled by the Ali Hassani Mwinyi led committee, formed to probe the genesis of conflict between the ruling party’s legislators, and their government.

It is reported that during that meeting the National Assembly Speaker Samuel Sitta was criticised for breaching certain principles of his party as the body was also accused of “silencing” other members. Another NEC meeting is expected to be held soon.

Msekwa’s account appearing in CCM website says: “…This article is to give a correct and factual account of the proceedings of that particular meeting, in order to dispel certain fears arising from some misrepresentations of fact and allegations of improper motives on the part of CCM, such as the allegation that ‘it had moved to silence its MPs.’”

“In view of these confusing reports, I believe it is important to explain what exactly happened in that NEC meeting,” Msekwa says, adding that it discussed ‘The current state of politics in the country, “covering a wide range of politically sensitive issues.”

According to Msekwa “unacceptable utterances and conduct” of some CCM leaders, particularly members of Parliament – including Samuel Sitta - and Zanzibar’s House of Representatives were among some of those “sensitive issues.”

NEC’s major concern, he says, was the appearance of “confrontational groups” among the ruling party’s members of Parliament based on the question of graft (Ufisadi) and injudicious utterances and conduct of some members of those organs of state. He says it was necessary for NEC to discuss the negative developments so as to take appropriate action to find a viable solution while blaming the media for not reflecting fundamental issues, rather it “entirely” focused on the Speaker.

Msekwa argues that discussion of Parliament proceedings did not breach the constitution; neither did the decision to discuss the conduct of MPs, including the Speaker, inside the Parliament.

He asks: “Was the Speaker ‘clobbered’ in that meeting because of his front line position in the war against mafisadi? Was it a move by NEC to silence its vocal CCM MPs?’ Providing the answer himself, he says: ‘NO answer’ to both questions.
He adds that CCM’s NEC has powers to discuss the conduct of its leaders because such a function is enshrined in the party’s constitution.

“Article 108 of the Constitution of Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) describes the general functions of NEC meetings, whereby sub-article 108 ( prescribes the function of maintaining a regular watch over the conduct and actions of its members and leaders,” points out Msekwa.

He says the meeting therefore proceeded with its business as empowered by the constitution to scrutinise and criticise CCM members of Parliament and House of Representatives for failure to respect constitutionally binding obligation of “safeguarding the interests of their political party in the House.”

He says the Speaker was criticised for failure to observe, while guiding the proceedings of the House, the parliamentary conventions regarding the operation of the oversight function of parliament over the government in a multi-party Parliament.

Secondly, he explains, the CCM MPs were collectively criticised for failure to make proper use of their CCM Parliamentary Standing Committee, or caucus, whose functions are clearly spelt out in the Rules of the Committee, adding that the use of such Committee could have averted unnecessary public confrontations among them.

As for criticism against the Speaker, Msekwa says: “It is the non-observance of the conventions and principles that were adopted from the Westminster model by the Tanzania Parliament. It was the basis of the criticisms directed to the Speaker by NEC, and certainly not because of his stand regarding the war against ‘Ufisadi’, which is the false impression that seems to be rapidly gaining ground.”

He said since the government is accountable to Parliament, the Parliament may indeed criticize ministers, but should not obstruct them in the performance of their government functions.

He added that under the same conventions adopted from Westminster model always there is loyalty, discipline and a strong team spirit among the back-bench MPs of the ruling Party and that the Parliament’s role is to exercise the oversight or control function over the government, but not to govern the country.

SOURCE: GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY

TANZANIA RULING PARTY (CCM ) DIVIDED ?

Links three of them with new party


Some high-profile members of CCM have angrily reacted to allegations that they intend to defect and form a new party, saying they are part of a smear campaign spearheaded by a local media mogul and business tycoon of Asian origin.

One former prime minister went a step further, describing the tycoon as a spoiler whose mission is to manipulate the envisaged party as an agency for the twin objective of discrediting his political rivals, and cleansing an image badly dented by linkage to various mega corruption scandals.

“If you read this story (published by a Kiswahili mainstream tabloid yesterday), you will automatically know who influenced it and what his mission is…but when the time comes, we shall name and shame him publicly, ” the ex-premier who declined to be named for the time being, told The Guardian on Sunday.

He asked angrily, “Why should I form a political party? What do I want? I have served this country as Prime Minister and my integrity is highly respected…I won’t allow those whose background as well as nationhood is doubtful, to discredit me.”

The former PM added that, the business tycoon believes that “he is wiser than everybody else in this country. But his days have been numbered and when the right time comes, he would be held accountable for the damages he has caused in this country through the corrupt deals.”

The Guardian on Sunday yesterday also chanced to speak to two out of three former Prime Ministers accused of being behind the proposed new political party called Chama Cha Jamii (CCJ), but all of them were not ready to be named for the time being.

Reacting on his alleged connection to CCJ, Kishapu legislator Fred Mpendazoe said, “It is ridiculous to relate me with someone whose tribe is totally different from mine…I am a Sukuma and my alleged brother is a Kurya; this is thus a deliberate malicious smear campaign against me.”

“I am a member of the ruling party…I will not defect to any other political party unless asked to do so by my people (Kishapu constituents)”, ” Mpendazoe told The Guardian on Sunday. He further insisted, “The people of Kishapu, whom I represent, have the mandate for any decision I make, and never can I make a decision on my own,”

Asked to give his views about the alleged planned new party, Mpendazoe replied, “They might have acted boldly on the pressing need of filling a gap caused by big cracks within the ruling party.”

“CCJ founders have shown by action that things are not quite right and they have also exercised their constitutional rights,” he said.

According to Mpendazoe, in a country where opposition parties have proved very weak with some of their top leaders rallying behind the ruling party, the founders of CCJ might have sensed an opportunity to establish a new party to fill the political vacuum caused by lack of a strong opposition camp.

He added: “The danger here is that these events are unfolding at a time when we are heading towards the general elections. Do you expect these elections to be pluralistic? That is why I think public opinion has seen the problem, and suggesting the solution of bringing in a new party, as we all believe that opposition is not enemity but competition.”

Ilemela legislator Anthony Diallo denied any involvement in the new party, dismissing off-hand, the report in the tabloid, which implicated him as one of its architects. He said: “They sound like they want me to join the fold, but the invitation is invalid,” he said, quoting a local adage: “Monitor lizards would love to have crocodiles in their entourage.”

Diallo said: “In the first place I am totally in the dark over who are behind the formation of the party, let alone getting involved. It could be true that its founders constitute a splinter group from Chama Cha Mapinduzi for their own good reasons, but I have no reason whatsoever to run away from my party.” Reflectively, the Ilemela MP thought that there could be a sinister move by whoever plotted his artificial involvement with the new political party, believing this campaign had an aim of mudslinging him, with an ultimate goal of damaging his position.

All in all, Diallo questioned the credibility of newspapers that went loud on such a sensitive issue without taking the trouble of contacting him as he was readily available to give his part of the side. But, contacted yesterday, Kyela legislator Dr. Harrison Mkwakyembe replied, “Just ignore them…a lot has been written by some media about me but there’s not an iota of truth in the stories.”

On Friday, an email message was circulated to various people, alleging, among other things, that some 12 MPs from the ruling party who have been front-liners in the anti-corruption crusade against corruption are planning to form a new political party before the end of this month.

The email further alleged that the 12 MPs met in London in December last year at the same hotel where ex-Energy and Minerals Minister Nazir Karamagi signed the controversial Buzwagi Mineral Development Agreement, to strategise on the issue.

But the email didn’t give any credible details to justify the authenticity of these serious allegations.

Another prime minister who served during the second phase regime distanced himself from the planned new party, saying he was aware on who was behind the smear campaign to damage his image within the ruling party by associating him with the CCJ.

“I have weathered so many storms within my party, but our grave mistake was liberalising our politics in the 1990s; a situation that allowed mercenaries using the business umbrella to invade us…I will face this man at the Central Committee, ” declared the former premier who, like his counterpart, declined to be named said.

He added, “Whether there will be a new party or not is none of my business but my concern is that we have reached a point where invaders who have no history with our struggle can decide to frame those who served this nation honestly

Let us give priority to our patriotism in protecting the natural resources of the ZANZIBAR.”

Secret of Karume-Seif meeting close to revelation

`If anybody had doubts about what Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume and his arch-political rival Seif Shariff Hamad had agreed upon when they held a secret meeting at the Zanzibar State House towards the end of last year, a placard that was carried during a mass demonstration yesterday to commemorate the Zanzibar Revolution told it all.

Literary translated, the poster read: “Let us give priority to our patriotism in protecting the natural resources of the Isles.”

For a keen observer, this was just a herald of what the Zanzibari president was going to state in his public address that was beamed across the United Republic.

The Revolution Day celebrations took place at Gombani Stadium in Chakechake, Pemba. The Island of Pemba is the political stronghold of the opposition CUF. For years, CUF leaders had refused to attend national Revolution Day celebrations, much as invitations were extended to them.

The snub was probably intended for public consumption of the population in Pemba, where sentiments for the historic revolution that ended Arab rule are low at best and hostile at worst.

This time around, the stadium was packed to capacity by the rank and file, plus a whole stream of CCM and CUF top brass who rubbed shoulders. To manifest the magnitude of the attendance, one person died during a stampede at the stadium. Such an occurrence has never been witnessed before in the Isles.

Addressing the public rally, Zanzibar President Karume said that the act of demanding the right to exploit Zanzibar’s natural resources should not be interpreted as going against the spirit of the Union because Zanzibar had the right to exploit resources that lay underneath, regardless of whether assumptions on the availability of oil were correct or not.

The Zanzibar president made the remarks in the presence of Union president Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who appeared not to have been offended by Karume’s assertion. Instead, President Kikwete seemed to have taken the statement humourously by welcoming it with a big laugh.

Over the recent years, the division of revenue emanating from oil and natural gas revenue became an issue, with ministers of the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government, ironically strongly backed by their CUF out adversaries, made strong statements, at times crudely, saying that Zanzibar had the right to explore for oil and exploit it independently of the Union Government, a suggestion that goes against the Constitution of the United Republic which treats oil and gas as Union matters.

Prior to those public utterances, a Norwegian consultant had been picked to determine a formula for sharing of presumed oil wealth between the Union and Zanzibar governments, and he came out with recommendations for the setting up of a joint Petroleum Board.

The formula he gave was regarded by the Zanzibar government as lopsided, and when the report was presented in the Zanzibar House of Representatives, it was greeted by an uproar.

In July 2008, a minister of the Zanzibar Revolution Government stirred cold waters on the Mainland side when he said that any oil extracted in Zanzibar would not be shared with the Mainland.

Zanzibar’s Minister for Natural Resources, Works, Energy and Lands, Mr Mansour Yussuf Himid, told the House of Representatives that Zanzibar had not benefited from natural gas discoveries on the Mainland to warrant sharing of oil in the event of commercially viable deposits being found in Pemba and Unguja.

“Honourable Speaker, I regret to say that since I became a member of the cabinet in 2000, I don’t understand anything concerning the distribution of natural gas that has been discovered and is accruing revenue in Tanzania mainland,” he was quoted as saying.

Since then, members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives have stressed that both the licensing for oil exploration and actual oil benefits, if found, should belong to Zanzibar.

However, the Union Government treats oil exploration as a Union matter and still considers applications for exploration of the Indian Ocean waters surrounding the islands of Pemba and Unguja.

So far, explorations have led to the discovery of huge deposits of natural gas at Songo Songo Island off Mtwara region; Mnazi Bay in Lindi in southern Tanzania; and Kimbiji, a short distance south of Dar es Salaam.

However, it seems that in spite of the Mainalnd-Zanzibar furore on best formula for sharing the oil revenue, there are no strong indications of any oil discovery being made in the sea area surrounding the Pemba and Unguja Islands.

But if no discovery has been made already, then there is a question mark as to why the issue is highly politicized, with not a single high ranking official or expert confirming the presence of oil.

At some stage, when President Kikwete was asked about the whole controversy, he said that the issue was debatable but wondered where the oil that had ignited the hullabaloo was.

In April last year, The Guardian consulted the leader of the Opposition in the Union government to comment on the issue. He said negotiations had been going on between the Union and Zanzibar governments on an agreeable oil wealth sharing formula since the era of Zanzibar President Salmin Amour.

He said since then, it was agreed to employ the services of a consultant who would chart out a formula. Hamad said: “Gas has already been discovered in Zanzibar, but the formula is not in place yet.”

He added that the issue has been discussed in the Union Parliament on several occasions. This is not a subject that has cropped up suddenly“.

Hamad Rashid said: “It is pertinent to arrive at a common understanding over the matter. There is no side which objects to the Union Parliament dealing with the matter. Any Parliamentary process does prevent Zanzibar from forming its own oil corporation, or the exploration to be undertaken by our own institutions. The current Constitutional provisions can be amended.”

He said: “You have to remember that when Nyerere and Karume formed the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, Karume said Mwalimu should become President while he (Karume) would be the First Vice President. This provision was fundamental to the agreement and could not be altered, but it has been altered.”

Given the above-mentioned summary, there is a possibility that natural gas prospects are what have brought Seif and Karume together.

If Zanzibar is able to wrestle a large share of the presumed exploitation of natural gas from the Union government and this needs strong internal political cohesion– the move shall boost not only Zanzibar’s economy, but also the image of leaders across the political divide

WHO WILL WIN THIS TIME KARUME CAMP OR SALMIN CAMP ?

Private motion on governement of national unity tabled
THE leader of Opposition in the Zanzibar House of representatives, Mr Abubakar Khamis Bakar has finally submitted to the House Speaker his private motion seeking support on the proposal to form government of national unity in Zanzibar.

”Mr Abubakari has submitted his motion to be availed in the house for discussion, I received it in the morning and I have given it to the Speaker, Mr Pandu Ameir Kificho to peruse the authenticity and if it had met the required standards,” said Mr Ibrahim Mzee, the House clerk.

The Clerk noted that if accepted, the motion would be tabled for discussion tomorrow or next week depending on the House session schedule.

The details in the motion would be known during the presentation, but Abubakar wants to ask his colleagues in the house to accept his proposal for President Amani Karume to form a government of national unity.

He also suggests that Zanzibaris should be given opportunity to decide (either through referendum or any other means) the type of the government they want.

Although Mr Abubakar had declined talking about the proposal for the extension of Karume’s tenure and the cancellation of the elections, it is highly expected that the proposals would also dominate the on going session.

CUF OPPOSITION LEADER ABUBAKAR KHAMIS TO TABLE PRIVATE MOTION FOR GOVERNMENT OF NATIONAL UNITY

THE leader of opposition in the Zanzibar House of Representatives, Mr Abubakar Khamis Bakari, plans to table a private motion seeking ‘unanimous support’ from legislators, on the proposal to form government of national unity ‘now.’

“We see bright future for Zanzibar after the recent President Amani Abeid Karume and CUF Secretary General, Seif Shariff Hamad meeting on reconciliation efforts. The House should show support of the reconciliation, by passing a resolution for the formation of government of national unity,” Abubakar said in the press statement.

He also suggests that Zanzibaris should be given opportunity to decide, either through referendum or any other means, the type of the government they want.

“I plan to ask the Speaker of my intention to table my private motion at the session beginning on January 20, this year. I want the House (CCM and CUF), to support the motion for the development of Zanzibar,” said Abubakar who is professionally a lawyer and former Zanzibar Attorney General.

Mr Abubakar’s statement skipped talking about the proposal for the extension of Karume’s tenure and the cancellation of the elections, but it is highly expected that the proposals would also dominate the session’s debate.

Earlier yesterday, the Zanzibar House of Representatives Clerk, Mr Ibrahim Mzee, said a private motion was not among the agenda ‘in-hand’ for discussion in the House.

It was highly speculated that one of the legislators was planning to table a private motion to seek the House’s support for the proposal to cancel the election and to have president Karume’s tenure extended.

If the proposals are accepted, the moves will prompt hot debate towards the amendment of the Zanzibar constitution.

“So far, what is in the 17th meeting of the House timetable to begin on Wednesday (tomorrow) are: The taking of oath by two newly appointed members, the tabling of Zanzibar Energy Policy, two bills and ministers to answer about 118 questions from the legislators,” Mr Mzee said at the meeting with journalists yesterday at his office.

He said his office had not received any notice for private motion, but added: “There is still ample time for any legislator to prepare a motion and present it to the House. According to the House regulations, the Speaker should be notified 48 hours before it is accepted for presentation to check the authenticity of the motion.”

Mr Mzee, a lawyer by profession, said that according to the law, the House can decide to postpone the elections, extend Karume’s tenure and also “Karume is legally empowered to form a government of national unity any time he wishes.”

But, the Clerk said that the extension of president Karume’s term ‘will definitely need the amendment to extend the life span of the House for additional six months. The current constitution allows the extension of the House in an event of war, but the House, which is the voice of Zanzibaris, can make any changes it wishes on the constitution without affecting the Union.”

He said that the amendment on Zanzibar constitution to allow Karume continue serving Zanzibaris after his tenure expires, could not directly affect the union constitution as speculated.

The Bills to be tabled in the House by respective ministers are: “An ACT to amend the Zanzibar Broadcasting Commission Act NO. 7 of 1997” and an “Act to make provision for the institutional establishment and operation of the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).”

The Public Prosecution Bill proposes prosecution policy and guidelines to be followed in handling trial and that “it shall be binding procedures to guide the exercise of the powers of a public prosecutor and in the handling of the relationship between the investigation authorities and prosecutors.”

Mr Mzee mentioned that legislators would witness the swearing-in of Mr Juma Duni Haji and Mr Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, new members from CUF appointed by the president last month, following the on-going political reconciliation between Karume and Seif Sharif Hamad, before ministers answer main questions from the legislators.

According to the Zanzibar constitution, the president is entitled to appoint 10 legislators in the House, in 2001 the constitution was amended following MWAFAKA accord, to allow Karume to appoint the two legislators from the opposition, but delayed to do so because CUF had not recognised him as a legitimate president, in protest against the 2005 general elections results.

HAMAD UNDER ATT ACK FOR SECRET AGREEMENT WITH KARUME

Seif under attack

Seif: If we rush to conduct elections there is a danger of losing everything we have attained
They accuse him of having a sinister by calling for Karume term's extension

By The Citizen Team

Civic United Front (CUF) secretary general Seif Shariff Hamad yesterday came under fire for proposing that Zanzibar's elections be postponed and President Amani Abeid Karume's tenure extended for two years.

Those disagreeing with the veteran opposition politician's stance read a sinister move in his insistence that Mr Karume be allowed to stay in office longer.

They charged that it was an indication that "some personal agreement" was reached when Mr Hamad met his long-time political foe at State House Zanzibar last November.

But renowned former University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) law professor Issa Shivji supported Mr Hamad�s call, noting that it was an opportunity to solve the Zanzibar political standoff and should be used effectively.

In his open letter issued yesterday, Prof Shivji said that considering the prevailing situation in Zanzibar, holding elections would only create more problems.

But the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) ruled out the possibility of extending President Karume�s tenure, arguing that CUF need not fear, as the new leader would carry on the agreement between the two sides.

Secretary general Yussuph Makamba told reporters in Dar es Salaam that CCM would not go against the Constitution, which provides for only two-five year terms for a President.

"Karume himself has shown he respects the Constitution. In fact, we are starting to get worried about the praise from the opposition. If you see your enemy praising you, you should be worried," he said.

Speaking separately, the CCM publicity secretary, Mr John Chiligati, said there was no need to extend Mr Karume�s stay in power because the presidency is institution.

"CUF should not fear because anything agreed on is going to be implemented after Karume's tenure," he said.

A former UDSM political science lecturer, Prof Mwesiga Baregu, said the CUF secretary-general�s stand might be a result of his secret talk with President Karume late last year. He said the extension of the Zanzibar President�s term was not desirable.

He said he hoped the deal between President Karume and Mr Hamad was not about their individual interests, but for their two parties, CCM and CUF.

"If that was case, it is obvious that whoever is elected in the Isles from either of those two parties will maintain the agreement, unless what they agreed was personal."

UDSM lecturer Azaveli Lwaitama wondered why CUF was insisting on the extension of the presidential tenure, while Mr Karume had declared he was not interested in it.

"I am starting to think that these two have not told us everything they discussed and agreed on in their meeting last year," said Dr Lwaitama.

He said President Karume should implement what he had agreed on with Mr Hamad before his term ends.

NCCR-Mageuzi national chairman James Mbatia said there was no need for Mr Karume to stay on.

"Is Karume the panacea for Zanzibar's problems? I don't think so because he has been there for the last nine years. What has he failed to do which he can do in another two years?" asked Mr Mbatia.

The United Democratic Party (UDP) national chairman, Mr John Cheyo, warned against undermining the Constitution.

"We have presidential term limits. The reason given for extension does not hold water. Karume must go after his term ends," he said.

Another opposition leader, Mr Augustine Mrema, said the only solution to Zanzibar's political problems was a power sharing deal, "which does not necessitate the extension of the presidential term".

The Tanzania Labour Party (TLP) national chairman said that since the assassination of President Abeid Amani Karume, "true democracy has been eluding Zanzibar".

He added: "A personal deal between Seif Shariff Hamad and President Karume will not be enough to solve Zanzibar�s political problems," he said.

The US Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Alfonso Lenhardt, urged Zanzibar leaders to reconcile and solve their political problems for a better future (See opinion piece on Page 8).

He called for a system that would ensure equity as, "given Zanzibar's history of elections between two parties with nearly equal numbers of supporters, a system that denies the losing side any voice in government leads to tension."

He said political tension impeded development, as the unrest in Zanzibar damaged Tanzania's reputation and discouraged tourism and investment, damaging the economy.

For his part, a prominent lawyer, Mr Mabere Marando, dismissed Mr Hamad�s proposal to extend President Karume's term as "dictatorial."

He told The Citizen: "Hamad is revealing himself to the people of Tanzania and Zanzibar, in particular, as the type of leader who can be prepared to breach the Constitution and serve his interests," Mr Marando told The Citizen in an interview.

He spoke a day after the CUF leader told a symposium on Zanzibar politics that elections "are not as important as consolidating the peace initiative in the Isles".

Urging the House of Representatives to push for postponement of the elections, Mr Hamad also appealed to Mr Karume to agree to an extension of his term to preside over the transition.

On November 5, Mr Hamad and President Karume held their landmark meeting at the Zanzibar State House, which was praised locally and overseas as crucial in forging reconciliation in the Isles.

Though both have not been explicit about what they agreed on at their first meeting in nearly 10 years, it was followed by CUF�s shocking announcement that they had officially recognised Mr Karume as the bona fide Zanzibar President.

Later, President Karume nominated two CUF members to the House of Representatives, which he had not done since the 2005 General Election.

At public rallies by the two leaders in Unguja and Pemba, they explained that they had been motivated by the need to find a lasting solution the political standoff in the Isles.

But yesterday, Mr Marando disagreed with the extension plea, saying the reforms needed "can be carried out any credible leader who takes over from President Karume".

He added: "Reforms do not depend on personalities. The most important thing is that they have established a position which can be continued by any other leader."

He said changing the Constitution just because a leader had started an initiative would set a bad precedent.

Mr Marando, a former a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), said Mr Karume shouldn�t use the pretext for a referendum on the Constitution to remain in power as Niger President Mamadou Tandja and Ugandan leader Yoweri Museveni had done.

Reported by Victor Karega, Bernard Lugongo Alex Bitekeye and Bernard James

HAMAD WANT DELAY FOR ZANZIBAR GENERAL ELECTION.

Civic United Front secretary general Seif Sharif Hamad has reiterated his call for a third term for Zanzibar President Amani Karume.

Hamad called for an extended term to enable President Karume implement a political accord reached last November between the two leaders.

He was presenting a paper titled, ‘The accord and the future of Zanzibar’ at a workshop hosted by CUF in Zanzibar.

Hamad called for a delay in Zanzibar’s general election for one or two years to allow Karume implement the accord.

“President Karume has to remain in power for one or two more years for him to fulfill the November agreement with regard to Zanzibar's political dispute,” said Hamad.

However, the call for extension to Karume's presidential term has not been supported by leaders of the ruling Chama Cha Mpinduzi, including the party's vice-chairman (Mainland), Pius Msekwa, Zanzibar chief minister Shamsi Vuai Nahodha and CCM Zanzibar publicity secretary Vuai Ali Vuai.

CCM leaders said it was not proper and it was against the constitution to extend the term.

Addressing a public rally to mark 46 anniversary of the Zanzibar revolution, President Karume said he was not planning to extend his term in office because it was unconstitutional. ­He said the constitution called for only two presidential terms of five years each, which he had served.

However, Hamad said there were people eyeing the presidency who were against the accord reached by the leaders.


SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

NAHODHA , KARUME MUST GO END OF THIS YEAR NO THIRD TERM

Zanzibar Chief Minister Shamsi Vuai Nahodha says there isn’t enough time to amend the constitution to allow President Amani Abeid Karume (above) to remain in office after his term expires in October this year.

The revelation comes just a week after a senior official of the opposition CUF, among others, proposed that Zanzibar President should be given a third term.

President Karume's second and final five-year term is due to end later this year, but CUF Foreign Affairs Director Ismail Jussa said that there was a need to allow Dr Karume to consolidate peace initiatives in the Isles. Speaking to reporters on preparations to mark the 46th Zanzibar Revolution Day to be held on Tuesday, the chief minister said although a number of political and religious leaders have called for extension of office term for Karume, the whole issue was ill-timed.

He said constitutional amendment was not such an easy thing that could be done without seeking views from members of the public, bearing in mind that it is of immense national interest.

Nahodha noted that such an amendment had sensitive bearings on the constitutions of both the United Republic of Tanzania and of the ruling party, CCM, adding that both parties must be involved in any amendment.

“There is not enough time to discuss the amendment of the constitution and reach a consensus as the matter touches the Union government as well as the ruling party,” he said.

On a different note, the minister said it was surprising to hear people talk of a coalition government before general elections while President Karume has not even talked about it.

Nahodha said steps reached by the two leaders should be supported by the public since the initiative will promote national unity and development.

“I have never heard President Karume nor our party talk of a coalition government, and so we should not raise unnecessary issues,” he counselled.

He said the president always insists in most of his meetings that the government cannot make decisions on matters of national interest without seeking public opinion.

The chief minister alleged that it all started in Butiama during CCM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) when the issue arose, but it was agreed that it could be agreed upon through referendum.

Other groups that called for the extension of Karume’s term include Imam Council of Zanzibar and National League for Democracy (NLD), saying the glimpse of peace currently in the country could only be improved through a coalition government under the leadership of Karume.

Imam Council of Zanzibar leader, Sheikh Farid Hadi and his AFP counterpart, Soud Said Soud, had suggested that this year’s election be postponed and a coalition government be formed with Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad as the chief minister.

Nevertheless Nahodha declined to declare his stand on allegations that he is planning to succeed President Karume when his term ends, saying it was still too early to state his position on the matter.

“If there are some people campaigning for me to take over from President Karume, let them continue but they won’t succeed unless I make the decision myself. I cannot declare my stand as the president recently rebuked presidential hopefuls who were mudslinging others ahead of elections set for later this year,” he said. However he said Zanzibar has made great achievements in education, infrastructure and financial sectors in the last 46 years.

The controversial issue of whether Zanzibar should change its constitution is not a new thing as former president Salmin Amour Juma unsuccessfully tried to change it but party decision scrapped.

Many people applauded the Dodoma decision to discourage Salmin to change the Isles constitution to give the president an open room to run for three terms in office.

The Dodoma decision which was made by high level CCM decision-making organs, received big support from all political stakeholders, including the opposition camp.

This indicated that the constitution of any country cannot be tampered with because such a trend would lead the state into chaos.

But CUF’s Jussa said Zanzibar had four elections before the 1964 revolution in July 1957, January 1961, June 1961 and July 1963, and three in 1995, 2000 and 2005 after the reintroduction of multiparty politics in 1992.

"With the possible exception of the 1957 elections, none were conducted to the full satisfaction of the electorate," he said.

He said what was really missing in Zanzibar was the people's trust in institutions charged with organising and overseeing elections.

Jussa added that lasting harmony could only be attained in Zanzibar if the source of the mistrust that had existed for decades in the Isles was addressed.

He noted that contrary to the views of many, the problem in Zanzibar was neither historical nor did it have anything to do with the perceived differences between people hailing from Unguja and Pemba.

"The problem in Zanzibar is antagonism between followers of the two largest parties in the Isles," Jussa said, adding that the mistrust dated back to 1988 when several senior CUF officials were expelled from CCM.

A lasting solution could be found through building trust between the two political camps by making them work together in the running of state affairs, he said.

Commenting on calls for President Karume's tenure to be extended, former University of Dar es Salaam lecturer Mwesiga Baregu said the problems in Zanzibar required a broader solution rather than banking on Karume alone.

He noted that the past three conciliatory meetings (mwafaka) were stalled because they were wrongly formulated.

"I think Mwafaka meetings should have been at the Zanzibar level with the two parties left to iron out their differences, the national level should only come in to protect the interests of the Union as well as supplement what was agreed," he said.


SOURCE: GUARDIAN ON SUNDAY

MAJORITY OF ZANZIBARI ARE AGAINST VIOLATION OF CONSTITUTION TO EXTEND KARUME PRESIDENCY

CCM said yesterday the proposed extension of Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume's term was not its immediate agenda.

CCM Publicity Secretary John Chiligati told The Citizen that there were no plans to discuss the suggestion in the ruling party's meetings.

He, however, did not rule out the possibility of the matter being discussed should it be officially tabled before the party.

CCM's reaction came amid a cacophony of calls for Dr Karume's presidency to be extended to allow him to lead a transitional government, and set the stage for the creation of a government of national unity.

Those who have called for an extension of President Karume's term include the Civic United Front (CUF) Foreign Affairs Director, Mr Ismail Jussa, who told The Citizen on Sunday that Dr Karume deserved more time to oversee the implementation of his reconciliation agreement with CUF Secretary-General Seif Shariff Hamad.

Mr Jussa clarified yesterday that he supported calls for the extension of the presidential tenure, not a third term for President Karume.

But commenting yesterday, Mr Chiligati said: "All those are personal views, which should not be taken to represent the party's official position. I wish to make it clear that CCM has not discussed the issue."

Asked whether the party had any plan to discuss the matter in the near future, Mr Chiligati said: �You cannot cross a river before reaching a bridge. I�m not sure whether the issue will crop up in our meetings. It probably won�t even be raised.�

He said CCM had well established and time-tested mechanisms to handle such issues when they emerged, and gave the example of calls in 2000 for the tenure of the then Zanzibar President, Dr Salmin Amour, to be extended.

"That issue was brought before us. It was discussed, and an amicable decision was reached," he said.

Mr Jussa told The Citizen that extending Dr Karume's presidency � not giving him a third term � would allow him to drive forward the reconciliation process to its conclusion.

He said reconciliation in Zanzibar was more important than elections. "We have had many elections in the past, but all have been a source of divisions rather than unity among the people," he said.

Calls for President Karume's term to be extended were first made during the conference on the state of politics in Zanzibar held two weeks ago.

Speaking at the meeting, the chairman of the Alliance for Tanzania Farmers Party (ATFP), Mr Soud Said, strongly advocated for an extension, saying Dr Karume should be put in charge of a transitional government ahead of the creation of a government of national unity.

This view was echoed by at least seven delegates at the meeting, which also called for the formation of an inclusive government in Zanzibar.

But a constitutional expert, Dr Sengondo Mvungi, dismissed the calls as "ill-advised".

"It's the people of Zanzibar who should decide on such an issue, not Karume and Seif," said Dr Mvungi, who is also the director of constitutional affairs of the opposition NCCR-Mageuzi.

"Our position is that CUF and CCM should not meet behind closed doors to discuss and decide on matters of national interest�this has not changed."

Dr Mvungi said a lasting solution to political divisions in Zanzibar could only be attained through a national consensus, "and not a Mwafaka of two persons".

Neither President Karume nor Mr Hamad has stated what was agreed when the two leaders met at State House in Zanzibar last November.

In a recent interview with The Citizen, Mr Hamad said he was not ready to reveal what was agreed, but added that people would see the results soon.

Dr Mvungi wondered how CUF, which had accused CCM of stealing the last three elections and stalling the implementation of the Zanzibar peace accord, could suddenly demand the extension of Dr Karume's tenure.

"Karume should not deceive us. Things are not going on well for him. He has realised that there is a faction within his party which does not support him, so he is attempting to draw support through Mr Hamad.

"There are people who wish to further personal interests�that's the only logical explanation of calls for Karumes presidency to be extended," Dr Mvungi said.

Elsewhere, the majority of people interviewed by this newspaper yesterday were against an extension of President Karume's tenure, saying it was undemocratic.

Mr John Kimaro said such a decision would be in violation of the constitution, and would set a bad precedent.

"Do we have such an acute shortage of people who are capable of finishing what Mr Karume has started?� he asked, adding: "If Karume's tenure is extended, what will be the response if another president seeks an extension of his tenure in the future?"

Mr Abdul Juma said an extension would create the impression that leadership in this country was for a select few, while the rest were there to be ruled and dictated to. He added that an extension could lead to violence.

However, Mr Patrick Nombo supported the move, saying it would go a long way in restoring harmony among Zanzibaris.

He said everything possible must be done to foster unity and understanding in the Isles "even if this means giving President Karume another term".

Mr Jeremiah Chuma, a teacher, said any attempt to extend President Karume's term would be proof that there was no true democracy in Tanzania.

ZANZIBARI POLITICIAN NEED TO PROTECT OUR CONSTITUTION. WE CAN NOT CHANGE OUR CONSTITUTION TO ACCORMODATE KARUME FAMILY.

Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume should be given a third term, a senior official of the opposition CUF has suggested.

President Karume's second and final five-year term is due to end later this year, but CUF Foreign Affairs Director Ismail Jussa said yesterday that there was a need to allow Dr Karume to consolidate peace initiatives in the Isles.

"There is nothing wrong in letting him finish what he has started," he said.

However, CCM Deputy Secretary-General (Zanzibar) Saleh Ramadhan Ferouz could not say categorically whether the ruling party supported calls for Dr Karume to be given another term.

Asked whether CUF supported the calls, Mr Jussa said: "Reconciliation in Zanzibar is more important than elections. We have had many elections in the past, but all have been a source of divisions rather than unity among the people."

Elaborating, Mr Jussa said Zanzibar had four elections before the 1964 revolution in July 1957, January 1961, June 1961 and July 1963, and three in 1995, 2000 and 2005 after the reintroduction of plural politics in 1992.

"With the possible exception of the 1957 elections, none were conducted to the full satisfaction of the electorate," he said.

He said what was really missing in Zanzibar was the people's trust in institutions charged with organising and overseeing elections.

Mr Jussa added that lasting harmony could only be attained in Zanzibar if the source of the mistrust that had existed for decades in the Isles was addressed.

He told The Citizen that contrary to the views of many, the problem in Zanzibar was neither historical nor did it have anything to do with the perceived differences between people hailing from Unguja and Pemba.

"The problem in Zanzibar is antagonism between followers of the two largest parties in the Isles," Mr Jussa said, adding that the mistrust dated back to 1988 when several senior CUF officials were expelled from CCM.

A lasting solution could be found through building trust between the two political camps by making them work together in the running of state affairs, he said.

However, CUF has denied reports that one of its members intends to table a private motion during the next session of the House of Representatives seeking to lay the ground for the formation of an interim government, which will see President Karume being given another three years in office.

Meanwhile, Mr Ferouz said whether or not Dr Karume should be given another term was a constitutional matter, which could not be decided by a political party.

"This is a matter that is supposed to be handled by government institutions and state organs such as the House of Representatives, and not a political party," he said.

He told The Citizen that the matter had not been raised in official party meetings.

However, CCM's propaganda Secretary in Zanzibar, Mr Vuai Ali Vuai, has been quoted as saying that changing the constitution to allow an extra presidential term "will curtail democracy in Zanzibar".

Meanwhile, President Karume rebuked presidential hopefuls who were mudslinging others ahead of elections set for later this year.

He made the remarks in Dar es Salaam on Saturday during an interview with state broadcaster TBC1, noting that the time for campaigning had not yet arrived.

President Karume is barred by Zanzibar's constitution from seeking a third term after he completes his second and final five-year term this year.

Dr Karume said those who had started to campaign for the presidency were flouting CCM regulations and electoral laws.

He added that the personal attacks that were flying around did no augur well for efforts to restore unity among Zanzibaris.

Commenting on calls for President Karume's tenure to be extended former University of Dar es Salaam lecturer Mwesiga Baregu said the problems in Zanzibar required a broader solution rather than banking on Dr Karume alone.
He noted that the past three Mwafakas stalled because they were wrongly formulated.

"I think Mwafaka should have been at the Zanzibar level with the two parties left to iron out their differences the national level should only come in to protect the interests of the Union as well as supplement what was agreed," he said.

The first to publicly call for Dr Karume to be given another term was the leader of the new political party, Alliance of Farmers Party (AFP), Mr Said Soud, who floated the idea during the recent Redet-organised conference on the state of politics in Zanzibar.

Mr Soud said Karume should be given at least three more years to oversee the process of healing and reconciliation he had initiated.

The Secretary-General on the Amani Forum of The Great Lakes Regional Parliamentary Forum, Dr Raphael Chegeni, supported the call yesterday.

Dr Chegeni, who is also the Busega MP, said President Karume should be given three years more to fully implement the agreement reached between him and CUF.

Karume made the call for peceful election next year ?

President Amani Karume has called on the people in Zanzibar to ensure that peace and tranquillity are maintained, especially at this time when the country is heading to general elections.

Karume made the call on Thursaday in his New Year's message.

He said it was high time people worked together to root out setbacks which had been derailing the isles’ socio-economic development for many years.

Karume said this year’s general elections would serve as a litmus test for Zanzibar’s democratic maturity.

He said Zanzibaris and the international community had received positively the reconciliation reached by the two rival parties, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi and the opposition Civic United Front.

“These political achievements should be nurtured and maintained for the betterment of Zanzibar and the country at large,” he said.