ZANZIBAR President Amani Abeid Karume has renewed his call on people to maintain the peace and stability

ZANZIBAR President Amani Abeid Karume has renewed his call on people to maintain the peace and stability that prevails in the Isles before and after the October 31 general elections. The call came as people celebrated Idd-el-Fitr.

The holiday makers, mainly children who were dressed in new clothes moved around the streets and joined families to celebrate Idd- el-Fitr.

It was also a day for many people including the First Lady, Mama Shadya Karume, the president and other leaders to visit and comfort the poor, the elderly, and the sick by giving them alms.

"Elections are seasonal moments when leaders are changed. The most important matter at this moment is preservation of peace, unity, and enhancement of love among us. All remnants of conflicts of the past must be discarded at this time," said Mr Karume.

The president was speaking at the People's Palace where Muslims gathered to mark dd-el-Fitr. The outgoing president emphasized that maintaining the fruits of political reconciliation would need all efforts for construction and development in the islands.

"Maintenance of political stability ushers in an ideal climate for investment and production", Mr Karume said. He ends his constitutional term in office next month. Idd-el-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadhan.

The president said that multi-party democracy was not meant for people with different policies and ideologies. It was not meant for people who fight. "Zanzibaris, and Tanzanians in general, should show maturity when campaigning. Let us differ without fighting".

He asked political parties to abide by the election campaign codes of conducts they signed last Tuesday in order to avoid going back to unnecessary conflicts.

Mr Karume also said that Zanzibar now had a friendly investment following the improvement of infrastructure which includes roads and electricity supply. He also called upon farmers to work much harder to produce more food and cash crops.

"We have managed to have stable electrical power in the islands after connecting Pemba Island to the National Grid through Tanga. On Unguja Island we have standby generators. Let us make use of this opportunity to boost our economy," he said.

The Isles president also insisted on cleanliness in the islands including avoiding littering the environment and conservation of the environment.

The Idd-el-Fitr gathering was attended by various dignitaries and their wives, from both Zanzibar and union government. The holiday makers included Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and CUF Zanzibar presidential candidates, Dr Ali Mohamed Shein and Mr Seif Sharif Hamad.

Also present were Chief Minister Mr Shamsi Vuai Nahodha; Deputy Chief Minister Mr Ali Juma Shamuhuna; Speaker of the Zanzibar House of Representatives Mr Pandu Ameir Kificho; ministers and outgoing legislators.

The president praised farmers and business people on the occasion of the Idd-el-Fitr for making sure that there was enough food during the holy month of Ramadhan.