ZANZIBAR VICE PRESIDENT lays stress on self-accountability

Zanzibar First Vice-President Maalim Seif Shariff Hamad has urged the government of national unity (GNU) cabinet ministers to shun laziness and instead, cultivate the culture of self-accountability and delivering to the people's expectations.

Addressing a public rally at Kibandamaiti grounds here on Sunday, Maalim Seif, who is also CUF secretary-general, expressed his high expectations that the GNU team, especially ministers, would work hard and deliver.

“We will never allow ministers to be lazy. We shall wake them up, so that they can work hard and observe discipline,” he stressed.

Maalif Seif, who lost to President Ali Mohamed Shein in the end of last month’s presidential polls, asked the people to cooperate with appointed ministers in order to speed up the development of Zanzibaris.

Meanwhile, Maalim Seif said the government in power would work hard to empower youths, that is why Dr Shein has formed a ministry especially for dealing with affairs pertaining to labour and employment.

He asked the Minister for Industry, Trade and Marketing, Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, to make sure that his office deal effectively with all traders importing fake and outdated products.

In the meantime, Maalim Seif expressed appreciation on the functionality of the GNU since it was formed early this month, saying that it has so far worked very well because all leaders worked together with a common goal of bringing development to the people.

He used the opportunity to thank the people of Zanzibar, especially members of his opposition CUF, for participating peacefully in the general election last month in both Pemba and Unguja.

CHADEMA OPPOSITION PARTY WILL BREAK TANZANIA UNION

National Assembly Deputy Speaker, Job Ndugai said yesterday that there is little possibility of the next Parliament session debating Chadema’s planned private motion on the 10th Isles Constitutional amendments.

“I don’t see that possibility, because the constitution is a sensitive issue, which needs enough time for discussions,” said Ndugai in an exclusive interview with The Guardian in Dar es Salaam.

The Guardian had sought comment from the deputy speaker on Chadema’s plan to formally table a private motion in the February Bunge session to challenge Zanzibar constitutional amendments, which it claimed have “direct, negative and irreparable” effects on the existing Union between Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland.

The opposition described the amendments as “unconstitutional” and that they grossly violated the Union constitutional and fundamental principles set out by the founders of the nation - the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Abeid Amani Karume.

However, the deputy speaker clarified that the motion cannot be moved by Chadema, saying it has to be done by an individual MP.

“Rules and regulations restrict them (Chadema) to present the motion as opposition camp,” said Kongwa MP.

Ndugai explained that he does not see the possibility of the motion being discussed in the next parliamentary session, because of what he described as sensitivity of the matter.

“If it will be submitted as a private motion, it must pass through some channels as per the Parliamentary rules and regulations before being tabled in the Parliament for discussions by legislators,” said the deputy speaker.

He, however, said that “the Parliament might debate the motion if it will be presented in a manner which makes it urgent…in other words, it depends on the urgency of the matter…but I don’t think it is possible to debate the motion in the February Bunge session.’

Ndugai noted that constitutional matters were sensitive, and therefore need sufficient time for parliamentary and related machineries to go through the “motion” before tabling the same in the Parliament for discussion by legislators.

“That is why I insist that there is little possibility of the next Parliament to debate Chadema’s private motion on Isles constitutional amendments…such issues are sensitive; they need time to digest before allowing discussions by MPs…it cannot be rushed,” stressed Ndugai.

However, Chadema yesterday stuck to its gun saying the motion must be submitted in the next Parliament session through avenues provided in the Parliamentary Standing Orders.

Chadema Director of Justice, Constitution and Human Rights, Tundu Lissu told The Guardian that rules and regulations as provided for in the Parliamentary Standing Orders allows the party to present the motion through two options—first-MP’s private motion which will be submitted to the National Assembly office through its Clerk. Second option, according to Lissu, is through Chadema MP presenting a motion to debate an “emergency matter for the national interest” during the parliamentary session.

“But I will not disclose to you which one of these two avenues I am going to use in presenting the motion. I insist that the motion must be presented in the next Parliamentary session,” noted the outspoken MP.

On Sunday, the opposition Chadema was quoted as saying that “Although they were made to calm down protracted political squabbles in the Isles, the Zanzibar amendments are absolutely unconstitutional…We are going to challenge them in the Parliament.”

A lawyer, Harold Sungusia from the Legal and Human Rights Centre, said: “The Isles constitutional amendments have vested more powers to the Zanzibar president in handling Isles affairs, and reduced powers of the Union president in Zanzibar…On top of that, these changes disrupted, confused and contradicted many things in the management of Union issues.”

The Minister for Constitutional Affairs and Justice, Celina Kombani, declined to comment on the existing contradictions on the Zanzibar and Union constitutions, on the ground that “I am not concerned with the Isles constitutional amendments…ask the Isles constitution minister…that’s my comment.”

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Hamad welcomed in Pemba as a hero

JUBILANT CUF fans turned-up in big numbers at public rallies on the Isles, organized to thank the electorate for participating peacefully in the October 31 elections.

Addressing both rallies, First Vice President Mr Seif Shariff Hamad who is also CUF Secretary General underlined unity and hard work, saying cooperation at top leadership was strong .
He also asked CUF members to start preparing for the next elections (2015).
“ President Ali Mohamed Shein, Second VP Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi and I, have forged a strong bond, definitely because we conducted decent election campaigns.
We are committed to working together for the interest of Zanzibar,” Mr Hamad said.
There would be no room for saboteurs and ministers and legislators should show commitment to serve Zanzibaris, he said, citing intervention to halt dumping of substandard foods (such as Mapembe rice) into Zanzibar market.
The public rallies are the first to be held after the general election. Earlier, the Minister of State- First President’s office Ms Fatma Abdulhabib Fereji, introduced her colleagues (ministers) from CUF.
At a rally held at Tibirinzi ground in Chake-chake Pemba, the South Pemba Regional Commissioner Mr Kasim Tindwa said ministers should work hard for development.
A minister from CCM, Mr Hajo Omar Kheri (state minister- civil service and good governance) also attended the rally.
Mr Abubakari Khamis Bakari (Constitution and Legal Affairs), Mr Nassor Mazrui (Trade and Marketing) and Mr Hamad Masoud ( Infrastructure and Communication) attended the rally held at Kibanda Maiti.
“We thank you and pray that team work remains stronger for the development of Zanzibar,” said Mr Khalifa Abdallah, CUF national youth secretary.
“CUF members and fans support the GNU. Since elections are over, we need now to start preparing ourselves for the 2015 general elections,” he said.
A rally held in Pemba carried a similar message delivered by Mr Saleh Nassor Juma, the Island’s CUF youth leader.
Meanwhile local government elections in nine wards of Unguja and Pemba were held peacefully on Sunday as confirmed by voters and Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) staff at the polling stations.

How Cabinet choice saved CCM from split

Dar es Salaam. Chama Cha Mapinduzi may have survived its sternest political
test yet, what with the tactful composition of both the Cabinet for the
Union government and that of Zanzibar, political analysts and the ruling
party’s rivals agree.

President Jakaya Kikwete, who named his ministers on Wednesday and Dr Ali
Mohammed Shein, who finished the task much earlier, can now look forward to
not-too difficult a chore of consolidating their positions and entrench the
party’s stranglehold on power, even as it plans to contain a much stronger
Opposition.

Analysts say Mr Kikwete and Dr Shein’s handling of influential politicians
who were edged out of the race for the presidency by accommodating them in
their governments has been most effective in mitigating divisions within CCM
and protecting the Union from possible disintegration.

The President’s success in balancing the opposing factions within CCM and
defuse campaign tension in Zanzibar by blocking prominent politicians who
were plotting to succeed Mr Amani Abeid Karume is among moves seen as
political genius, at least for now.

Facing the possibility of a serious party division that could have meant a
ballot loss to the Civic United Front in Zanzibar, thrusting of the then VP
Dr Shein in the picture, was one of the first moves by the CCM power
schemers to tame a team that was building around the Union VP Dr Ghalib
Bilal, whose nomination to stand as Mr Kikwete’s running mate was yet
another master stroke, according to political watchers.

A senior political science lecturer at the University of Dar es Salaam who
wished not to be named said the inclusion of former Zanzibar Chief Minister
Mr Shamsi Vuai Nahodha in the powerful Home Affairs portfolio in Kikwete’s
government was a deal struck long ago when he was prevailed to step aside
for Dr Shein.

“The same can be said of former deputy minister in the Union government, Mr
Mohammed Aboud, who had a good chance for the Zanzibar presidency but
accepted to lie low. Now he has been rewarded by his benefactor who
nominated and handed him the powerful docket of Minister of State in the
Second Vice President’s Office,” said the lecturer with close links to CCM.


On the Union side, President Kikwete has picked the likes of former Mr Sitta
whose unexpected shunting off from the Speaker’s seat did not go down well
with many party insiders who feared a backlash from the public that held him
in high esteem due to his fearless anti-corruption stand. Here also comes Dr
Harrison Mwakyembe, whose distinguished political career as no-nonsense
crusader against graft will come to test in his new role as an assistant
minister for Infrastructure.

Opinion is divided whether these political calculations were moves of sheer
power play or for national interests.
Giving his views, Leader of Official Opposition in Parliament Freeman Mbowe
said although political compromise was acceptable in certain circumstances,
it could however, be damaging when such moves jeopardise national interests
or overlooks better choices.

“CCM always looks for compromise between competing factions by sharing
positions of power. This may appear good for the party but in the long run,
it might not be healthy for a country striving to promote democracy,” said
Mr Mbowe who is also the national chairman of Chadema.

But CCM’s publicity secretary, Mr John Chiligati defended the appointments,
saying the President considered nothing else besides personal capabilities,
education and integrity in setting up his Cabinet. He said the rest was
street talk.

Research and Education for Democracy in Tanzania (Redet) co-chairman, Dr
Benson Bana, is of the view that President Kikwete did almost perfectly in
balancing opposing factions within his party and kept in pace reconciliation
in Zanzibar.

“Politics is the act of the impossible. It is how you balance opposing
factions and any good leader has to exploit opportunities and calculate
rightly for the interest of the nation and of his party. President Kikwete
has done this brilliantly,” he said.

Assistant lecture at the University of Dar es Salaam’s (Political Science)
Mr Bashiru Ally said what has happened could be explained both in
historical, political, technical and constitution considerations.

But Mr Ally said it is not always a must that the president must play
political maneuvering in forming his government for the interest of the
nation as many would want to believe.
But Dr Noordin Jella of Mzumbe University (Department of Economics) said
even though politicians like to manoeuvre to keep the political tranquility
the exercise may end either way.

celebrates the life of Salum Khalfan Bar’wani, recently elected to parliament

The community of people living with albinism in Tanzania has in the recent past been haunted by ritual killings targeting their kind, forcing some to retreat to an island commune, and the government to pass a harsh law to punish those trading in body parts harvested from people living with the condition.

Since 2007, over 40 people living with albinism have been killed in Tanzania in the past four years and their bodies are believed to have been dismembered to be sold to black magic practioners who believe that charms made from such body parts bring good fortune and prosperity.

The killings and the trade were so widespread at one time and believed to run into millions of dollars, that body snatchers from Burundi and Kenya were involved.

People living with albinism are born with a genetic condition that deprives them of pigmentation in their skin, hair and eyes.

The Tanzania government’s campaign against killings of people living with albinism and their general discrimination, culminated in the jailing of several suspected such killers, and this year in August, a court in Tanzania sentenced a Kenyan to 17 years in jail following a police sting operation when he tried to sell his friend who is living with albinism.

But the government of Tanzania and people living with albinism did not give up the fight, which was for the very lives of people living with this condition.

In 2008, at the height of the ritual killings, Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete nominated a woman living with the condition to parliament.

Al-Shymaa Kway-Geer served the remainder of parliament’s life until the elections of November 2010. Even though she was not elected by the people, her nomination was a government statement that it would not tolerate discrimination against those who were different, especially those living with albinism.
But the elections of 2010 were even better. Civic United Front’s (CUF) Salum Khalfani Bar’wani, 51, was elected member of parliament for Lindi Town constituency, beating the sitting Regional Commissioner for Iringa region Mohammed Abdul Azizi, who held the parliamentary seat for 15 years.

Bar’wani does not take his election for granted, and knows that the votes that won him the seats were not sympathy votes.

He says people in Lindi did not see the colour of his skin, but rather saw his honesty as a leader. His election is therefore an expression of the “high level of democracy in Tanzania.”

“I am happy with the choice of the people of Lindi Town constituency. They voted hugely to elect me as their MP, and I promise to work hard to deliver services to them.”

Bar’wani said that his election was a victory for people living with albinism. In an interview with The EastAfrican in Dar es Salaam recently, Bar’wani said that his victory shows that the public is aware of the plight of people living with this condition in Lindi and across the country, and wanted a change.

“I believe this is the time to represent and speak for the voiceless people like me, so that their voices too can be heard.”

Voters in Lindi Urban district, southeast Tanzania, overwhelmingly voted for Bar’wani to Parliament, making him the country’s first ever elected lawmaker living with albinism.
In the past, the public did not believe that a person with such a condition or disability could achieve such without sympathy or favour. But Bar’wani says, “Now they believe that we are capable of achieving our goals without sympathy.”

“My joy has no end,” he said, adding, “The people of Lindi have used their wisdom and have appreciated clearly that people living with albinism are capable.”

But all was not a bed of roses for Bar’wani. His fellow contestants for the seat urged voters to reject him, saying he could not think properly because he was living with albinism.

“My opponents ridiculed me and even said that my kind lacked vitamin C and therefore lacked the ability to think. This infuriated the voters,” he said.

One candidate from a prominent party and his campaign manager even used abusive and stigmatising language against Bar’wani, saying he was unsuitable because of his condition.

They told the electorate in Ng’apa, Mingoyo, Chikonji and Matopeni wards at varying times of the campaigns that under normal circumstances people with albinism suffered from memory loss because of the lack of Vitamin C as they get exposed to sunlight.

The candidate is quoted to have said: “In the past, our elders spat on their chests if they met albinos in the morning to drive away any curse.”

Bar’wani said people with such attitudes were no different from those who killed for superstitious reasons.

The patron of Mwanza Region Albino Society, Altaf Hirani said that Bar’wani’s election proves that democracy had finally matured in the country.

“I am so touched that this is the first time in the electoral history of this country for a person living with albinism to be elected by the people,” said Hirani.

He appealed to people with albinism and those with disability not to shy away from taking part in the election and congratulated the voters. He said he hoped that Bar’wani’s winning has sent a clear message that people living with albinos should not be stigmatised.

The head of the Tanzania Albino Society Ernest Kimaya also welcomed Bar’wani’s election. “We are happy to get one one of our own as an MP this year. It’s good for us,” said Kimaya, adding, “It shows our importance in the community.”

Tanzania Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Bernard Membe from the same region as Bar’wani, said the latter’s election showed an “acceptance of people with disabilities.”

“As an MP in Lindi region I pledge to give him due support despite (his) coming from the opposition,” he said

CUF spokesperson Salum Diman said cheerfully, “I confirm that Salum Khalfani Bar’wani, who is living with albinism was elected as MP for Lindi Urban.”
Bar’wani entered politics in 1992.

Economic to top agenda in Z'bar

As Zanzibar ushers in a new political era of Government of National Unity (GNU), the question remains whether the new administration will realise the Isles’ long-held desire to attain economic independence.

Before the union with Tanzania Mainland, Zanzibar was independent economically and politically as a sovereign state. However, after the political marriage some economic issues were treated as union matters to be shared equitably by the two sides.

As time went on sentiments of economic discontent have taken root, and an increasing number of Zanzibaris to-date feel that they are not adequately benefitting from the Union economic set up.

While the issue of how much of the National Gross Product (GDP) should be retained by Zanzibar has all along been an intricate matter, recent voices of economic discontent have included those who want oil, gas and offshore fishery matters to be excluded from Union affairs, amid anticipations of Zanzibar striking oil soon.


The new GNU administration that has just taken over the mantles of leadership in the Isles will have to strike a delicate balance between assuaging growing economic discontent and sustaining Zanzibar within the Union political fold.

Some residents of the isles believe there is nothing wrong for Zanzibar to demand economic independence.

“From the historical point of view, for many centuries before the union with Tanganyika, Zanzibar was an independent country economically...it had a robust economy that was supported by cloves, coconuts and other natural resources as well as commerce, which was conducted mainly using the Zanzibar harbour,” immediate former Finance and Economic Affairs minister Mwnyihaji Makame told The Citizen earlier this year.

According to Mr Makame, the issue of the economy became a complex matter after Tanganyika-Zanzibar union because the extent to which the Isles should benefit from national resources is not clearly stipulated in the Union constitution.

He said that Zanzibar’s share of the General Budget Support, however, was about in 10.02 per cent, and some people felt that it ought to be higher.


“It is difficult to determine how much Zanzibar benefits from the Union because in the union constitution it is not mentioned or clarified how much Zanzibar will benefit from union matters such as higher education, security, foreign affairs and the like,” he noted.

Many Zanzibaris, irrespective of their political affiliation, tend to agree with Mr Makame’s assessment of their economic plight--- and the ushering in of GNU has created renewed optimism to fight for better economic prospects.

Previously, political animosity meant that Zanzibaris could not come face-to-face and work together on many issues, including the economy.


Those now optimistic for the Isles’ brighter economic prospects under the GNU include vice chairman of Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors, Mr Abdul Samad, who believes they can stand on their own feet to build a strong domestic economy, like other wealthy small island nations.

Ahmed Haji Saadat of Zanzibar Revenue Board (ZRB) also share the opinion that the isles currently benefit very little economically from the Union economic arrangement, and that Zanzibar can do better by fully harnessing her own potentials herself.


“A good example is the tourism sector whose full potential is still untapped. We can also do better as a free port and have a thriving fishing industry... Of course success will depend on how we are more innovative and dynamic, since we are a small community,” he noted.

The advocates of an economically independent Zanzibar say that economic autonomy does not necessarily mean breaking the Union.

However, there are not-so-enthusiastic people on the issue, like taxi driver Haule Kazimoto who says the talk of economic independence is mere politics and not a viable option.

Mr Kazimoto, a native of Mainland Tanzania who has lived in the isles since 1975, believes Zanzibar still has a long way to go before becoming economically independent.


The dawn of a new political era in Zanzibar’s has been confirmed by the peaceful campaigns and CUF’s conceding defeat despite CCM winning the election with a narrow margin. In previous elections such results led to violence and chaos.

Under the new dispensation lawmakers representing CUF will become cabinet ministers in Dr Ali Mohammed Shein’s government in accordance with the power- sharing deal approved in the July referendum.
Advocates of Zanzibar’s economic independence are expected to use the prevailing national understanding to push for their agenda.
“We don’t depend very much on the Union economically. In fact, the current arrangement does not favour us because there are a lot of things which Zanzibar cannot do without consulting the Union government, such as engaging with international organisations,” Mr Saadat of ZRB further noted.
According to him, the current Union setup must change through reforms geared to address current misgivings on many issues, including economic matters.

“There is no need to break the union but it must be revisited for the mutual benefit of the two sides of Tanzania. Most of the current complaints about the union are related to economic issues because many Zanzibaris feel they are not benefitting enough from the union economically,” Mr. Saadat said.

He noted that remaining as part of the union would be an added business, commercial and investment advantage to Zanzibar.

Some economists in Dar es Salaam, who commented on the matter, said it is possible for Zanzibar to survive economically without the union but it would take at least 10-15 years for her to prosper without Mainland Tanzania.

Makwawia give Kikwete friend advice to save the country

H.E. Mr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete,
President of the UR of Tanzania,
The State House,
Dar es Salaam.

Dear Mr President,
I WOULD like to take this opportunity to congratulate you, Mr President, for being re-elected president of this country for the second and, by the Constitution, last term.

But it has not been an easy vote. The spell of time prior and after the vote was a difficult one. It was marred with tension – considerable tension. For the first time as a citizen of this country I was a scared man. I feared for the worst, especially after the vote. Why?

It was obvious for every level headed person especially senior citizens of this country like me who have been privileged to be alive all the last elections after independence that there was a huge crack on the very wall of national foundation of peace and stability in this country.

For the first time in our life as a nation, religious groups were coming up with a political agenda in the run up to elections. For the first time because hitherto, mixing religion with politics was never in the political culture of our country nor was it entertained. So when these groups came up with an agenda presented ostensibly to impart “civic education” to their respective followers, some of us knew immediately that we were headed for big trouble in this country.

Now that the dust has settled, let no one come up and tell you that these classes of “civic education” in the houses of worship were about national patriotism or voter education. No! For what I know today, it was quite something else! Individual names were shouted now and again in some houses of worship as the “weapons” against perceived ills and injustices in our country, real or imaginary!

That the worst did not happen after the announcement of the outcome of the vote such as attacking each other’s houses of worship or jumping on each other’s throats is largely thanks to inborn maturity of Tanzanians; thanks to the firm foundation stone of national unity above tribal and religious divide firmly laid down by the Father of our Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

You will recall, Ndugu President, that one of the last words of Mwalimu Nyerere, I would venture say his will to us, especially to leaders of this country, especially the top leader which is your good self - is to nurture on a permanent basis the good seed of national unity and cohesiveness above the religious and tribal divide.

Now that you have won the second term, please put this aspect of forging national unity, not sporadically like a bout of fever, but on a permanent continuous presidential agenda. For, you will agree, Ndugu President, that this country, even at 49 years independence, is still as fragile as any other. Just imagine older countries in terms of attainment of political independence such as Guinea (Conakry) are just now strife-stricken especially after elections compounded by tribalism.

There is another thing that I want to impress on you. You need to do a serious postmortem which should be joined not only by your top brass but by other members of your party from the rank and file. I hasten to alert you from the outset that if you will do the postmortem on the performance of your party confined only to the top brass of the leadership of your party, you will wind up no where. You see, Mwenyekiti - Chairman, some of us worsen in terms of intellectual mobility when old age catches up with us!

If you consult, us old people, we are bound to tell you: ‘There is nothing to worry… After all CCM is 5 million strong, so there is no problem…?’ Hahahahaha! If this is the argument, where did those guys in fatigues get all those hundreds and thousands of people, especially young people everywhere they staged a rally?

Clearly, there is a problem, Mwenyekiti! My reading of the huge crowds attending the rally by the men in fatigues is that there is clearly a vacuum, an ideological vacuum. This party has stopped to think. All it is thinking about is how to win the next election! Sorry for this brutal language, but please get ready for hard talk if you want to turn your party around! Please position yourself as if sitting in a dentist’s chair!

If it was a thinking party, it should have been able to read the moment of the hour. What are the aspirations of the people of this country? What do they see as having gone wrong? Is it a party still talking the language of workers and peasants of this country? Is it a party worried by the escalating gap between the haves and have-nots right now in this country? What about the leaders of this ruling party? Is simplicity and humility still its modus operandi?

You have seen that all along I have addressed you as ‘Ndugu President’ - very infrequently as ‘Your Excellency’ or Doctor! I believe that you yourself, Ndugu President, brought up in the ruling party and as a lieutenant of the Founding Father of this country, you feel uncomfortable to be addressed grandiosely as Dr Kikwete! But some of us have to justify our jobs by calling you grandiosely! Because simplicity is no longer the culture of our party, our officials in both the government and its ruling party prefer to don suits or top of the market blazers when facing impoverished peasants!

So you have a tall order before you, Ndugu President, not to forget the element of ethics and principles in governance and especially as a code of conduct of your party itself. Ethics and principles are clearly enshrined in the old leadership code of your party. All you need is to re-instate it with vigour. If this factor is forsaken, Mr President, future elections will be even harder to fight in the future!

Already, Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda is talking and, very early, the language of putting the peasants of this country on the front seat of the development strides of this country. Please take him on board in the postmortem towards rebuilding your party.

Finally, allow me, Mr President to suggest on an initiative that I believe will be a good and sustainable legacy you will have left the country at the end of your tenure of office. Please take seriously calls for a constitutional reform. Please let no one come up and tell you that is not “the political manifesto of CCM but of the opposition”. Consider anyone telling you this thing as myopic at best.

Multi-partyism was not something that was on the agenda of CCM but it was Mwalimu Nyerere, distinguishing himself as a leader who pushed it on the agenda. You are our leader. You are the one to show the way! So to all intent and purposes, our Constitution as it is today, needs re-writing in the interest of the present and future generations of this country.

Those in the opposition are as Tanzanian and as patriotic as any other in the ruling party. So please take them seriously and consult them – please institute a National Consultative Dialogue on a new Constitution for our country.

I should end here, Ndugu President. I hope you will find this input useful.

Makwaia wa KUHENGA is a Columnist for this newspaper and runs a popular weekly TV Show, Je, Tutafika? on local Channel Ten. E-mail: makwaia@bol.co.tz.

Kikwete inaugurated, orders Tanzania forces on alert for what or is revolution again in Mainland and Zanzibar?

Kikwete inaugurated, orders Tanzania forces on alert
Reuters
November 6, 2010 11:20 GMT
By Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala

DAR ES SALAAM (Reuters) - Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete told security forces on Saturday to be on the alert after being sworn in for a second term following elections marred by low voter turnout and allegations of vote rigging.

The main opposition Chadema party, whose candidate finished closest to Kikwete, has rejected the outcome, asserting fraud had occurred. Party leaders had warned before the vote that they would consider "civil disobedience" if the election was rigged.

Tanzania's electoral commission and security intelligence agencies were accused by opposition parties of falsifying both the presidential and parliamentary results in favor of Kikwete and his party following the October 31 vote.

Local and foreign observers, including the European Union, voiced concern about the transparency of the vote tabulation.

For three days, police used tear gas and water cannon against protesters angry at the delay in some results and the credibility of others in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam and some other parts of east Africa's second biggest economy.

The election was seen as a test of the dominance of the ruling party but the low turnout weakened Kikwete's victory.

The turnout of 43 percent of the 20 million registered voters was the lowest in Tanzanian history.

"The election is over. We should let bygones be bygones and ensure peace and stability prevail," Kikwete, 60, who garnered 61 percent of the vote, said in his inauguration speech.

"I would like our security forces to be on alert. We should not give opportunity to anybody or any groups of people from inside or outside Tanzania to endanger our peace," said Kikwete after a 21-gun salute in his honor.

Tanzanian elders awarded Kikwete a traditional African stool and a shield decorated in the colors of the national flag as a large crowd that filled a 30,000-capacity stadium cheered.

Presidents Jacob Zuma of South Africa, Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, Rupiah Banda of Zambia and Joseph Kabila of Democratic Republic of Congo were present.

KIKWETE WOUNDED

The Chadema party leader, Willibrod Slaa, boycotted the ceremony and its top leaders said they would meet to decide their next course of action.

The other main opposition parties, Civic United Front (CUF) and NCCR-Mageuzi, also complained of gross election irregularities. They said they accepted the results but have asked for talks with the CCM to discuss the election process.

Kikwete must step down after his next term and regional analysts said he would not be compelled to accommodate the factions in his party to maintain their support, and that this may free him to made radical changes and improve the economy.

Tanzania, Africa's fourth biggest gold producer, has enjoyed relative stability in a volatile region but is mired in poverty.

Foreign donors cut heir contributions to the 2010-11 budget in protest at the slow pace of reforms by Kikwete.

"In his next five years, Kikwete needs to focus on... the modernization of agriculture and creating small-scale industries and investment in infrastructure," said Palamagamba Kabudi, a professor at the University of Dar es Salaam's faculty of law.

"Kikwete and CCM have been wounded in the election by the strong performance of opposition candidates. It's a wakeup call for him to get his act together in his second term," said Brian Maganga, a college student in Dar es Salaam.

OPPOSITION WON 4 SEATS

Opposition wins four parliamentry seats
Monday, 15 November 2010 23:17
digg
By The Citizen Reporters

Results of the late parliamentary elections held on Sunday have cheered up some opposition parties with victory in four of the seven contested constituencies.

The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) scooped three seats to beef up its already indomitable position in the Parliament.

For various administrative reasons, which included shortage of ballot papers and misspelt names of candidates, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) and the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) had put off the polls in Mpanda Urban, Mpanda Rural and Nkenge constituencies on the Mainland; and Mtoni, Magogoni, Wete and Mwanakwerekwe constituencies in the Isles.

But the presidential vote was taken in those constituencies as it was done throughout the country on the 31 October 2010 general election day.

According to election results announced by the ZEC, the Civic United Front (CUF) candidates have won in Mtoni, Magogoni and Wete constituencies, while CCM’s candidate won the seat for Mwanakwerekwe.

Faki haji Makame of CUF took the seat for Mtoni with 4,097 votes beating Ussi Ame Pandu of CCM who got 2,738 votes. Other parties fielded candidates as well but the score was as follows: Chadema got 417 votes, TLP (8), UDP (5), UMD (9), UPDP (7), Tadea (9) and NCCR-Mageuzi 18 votes.

Another CUF candidate, Hamad Ali Hamad, took the Magogoni seat with 4,033 votes against Issa Abeid of CCM who came close behind with 3,264 votes. NCCR-Mageuzi got 45 votes, Tadea (17), NRA (16), UMD (11) and SAU six votes.

Results from Wete showed that CUF candidate, Mbarouk Salim Ali emerged winner after scooping 4,908 votes, beating Ali Rashid Ali of CCM who managed 561 votes. Chadema obtained 364 votes and Tanzania Labour Party (TLP) had 44 votes.

At Mwanakwerekwe, CCM’s Haji Juma Sewereji scooped 2,975 votes to emerge the winner while Ussi Juma Hassan of CUF came second with 1,971 votes. In the same constituency Demokrasia Makini got 28 votes, NCCR-Mageuzi (7), Tadea (10), UPDP (9) and TLP five votes.

The election was held under tight security as the police presence at all polling stations assured voters that the exercise was conducted in free and fair manner.

In Mpanda Urban, NEC declared Said Amor Arfi of Chadema winner of the parliamentary seat for the constituency.

Mr Arfi scooped 8,075 votes to win the seat for the second consecutive term, outshining his closest opponent Mr Sebastian Kapufi of CCM by 49 votes.

Announcing the election results, the returning officer for Mpanda Urban constituency, Mr Henry Haule said Mr Kapufi got 8,020 votes followed by Mr Aram Ndimubenya of CUF who got 39 votes.

The constituency had 42,215 registered voters but only 16,276 had turned up to cast their ballots. Mr Haule said that 135 votes were spoilt.

In Mpanda Rural constituency, Moshi Kakoso of CCM won the seat with 5,693 votes while Chadena’s Masanja Mussa came second with 3,260 votes.

The returning officer for the constituency, Mr Emmanuel Kalobelo announced that the third position was taken by CUF’s Shaban Kisabo who got 74 votes and a candidate of NCCR-Mageuzi got 22 votes.

Mpanda Rural had 35,928 registered voters but only 9,138 cast their ballots and 89 votes were spoilt.

Following the announcement of the results, Chadema and CCM supporters started a lively and peaceful celebration on the streets cheering their winning candidates.

Meanwhile, Ms Assumpta Mshama, CCM parliamentary candidate for Nkenge constituency in Missenyi district of Kagera region was declared the winner in the small hours of Monday.

Before the announcement of her victory, Ms Mshama was heard telling the election officers to give the delayed votes from Kakunyu ward to her opponents because that could not alter the outcome.

Ballot boxes from Kakunyu ward were delivered at the tallying centre at 01:00 hrs something that, for a short period of time, caused a stir among supporters of the election candidates.

Ms Mshama won by 23,772 votes followed Mr Sadick Mkurumbi of CUF with 606 votes and Mr William Kweyamba of TLP who garnered 597.

There were 90,631 registered voters in the constituency, but only 25,091 cast ballots on Sunday at 254 polling stations.

Mr Kweyamba was instantly conceded defeat complaining that since he had no agent at any polling station, he would have no reason to challenge the results.

Zanzibar. Zanzibar will soon become a full member of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA)

Zanzibar. Zanzibar will soon become a full member of the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA), the Isles newly elected president, Ali Mohamed Shein, revealed yesterday.

Addressing Members of the House of Representatives at Mbweni here, Shein said Fifa has confirmed Zanzibar’s membership to the Isles delegate to the federation’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland recently.

While in Geneva, the delegate asked the world soccer body to include Zanzibar in the list of its members.

In implemented, Fifa’s decision will mark the end the Isles’ five-year struggle for the membership.

In 2005 Fifa, rejected an application by Zanzibar football authorities to be granted full membership.

In August 2002, Zanzibar football authorities opted to ‘part ways’ with their Tanzania mainland counterparts and started seeking full membership of both Caf and Fifa.

However, a two-day meeting of the Fifa executive committee in Zurich in 2005, resolved that Fifa would continue to regard Zanzibar as an affiliate of Tanzania.

Fifa insisted that Zanzibar is "not an independent state recognised by the international community at present, nor is it likely to be in the foreseeable future."

The Isles revived her campaign for Fifa membership last year when the then Chief Minister, Ally Juma Shamhuna, asked the world soccer body to recognise the Isles and give it full membership.

Speaking at the launch of the World Cup Trophy tour in Zanzibar that the Isles membership should be like that of the states forming the United Kingdom.

The states, which involve England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland are treated as independent members of Fifa.

He said Zanzibar would not stop from fighting for her membership despite seeing most of the past struggles ending fruitlessly.

"We still we’ll succeed one day as we will keep on fighting for the membership,” he insisted during the world Cup tour.

In September, 2010 Minister for information, culture and sports and deputy Chief Minister, Ali Juma Shamhuna, told reporters that the Isles FIFA membership bid was in the final touches.

The delegation that also included Mainland’s deputy minister for information, culture ad sports, Joel Bendera travelled to Zurich where they faced FIFA president, Sepp Blatter.

Blatter did not promise to award Zanzibar FIFA membership but simply said he would work out on it.

“Went to seek FIFA membership and from Blatter’s response we remain hopeful but there is no confirmation so far”, said Shamhuna.

The United Republic of Tanzania has strongly backed Zanzibar’s FIFA membership bid, according to Shamhuna.

Shamhuna said the membership bid has been forwarded with strong reasons for doing so

DR SHEIN WIN LAND SLIDE ELECTION IN ZANZIBAR

Women supporters of opposition Civic United Front in Zanzibar cry outside the Zanzibar Electoral Commission offices after their candidate Seif Shariff Hamad lost to CCM’s Dr Mohammed Shein
President Jakaya Kikwete has sent a
congratulatory message to Ali Mohammed Shein for winning the presidential election in Zanzibar.Shein, of the Chama cha Mapunduzi party, won 50.1 percent of the votes cast, while his rival Seif Sharif Hamad of the Civic United Front got about 49 percent, Idriss Jecha, spokesman for the Zanzibar Electoral Commission, said by phone from Stone Town today.

Hamad conceded defeat and said he would cooperate with the new government during a public address, Jecha said.

Candidates running for Shein’s party captured 28 out of the 50 parliamentary seats available while Jacha’s CUF won the remainder 22 seats, he said.

Lawmakers representing the CUF will have a chance to become cabinet ministers in Zanzibar’s government under a new power- sharing deal agreed in a referendum in July, Jecha said.


The congratulatory message was sent on Monday night after an announced by the Zanzibar Electoral Commission Chairman Khatib Mwinyi Chande that Shein had won the presidential race garnering 50.1 of the vote. His main rival Seif Sharif Hamad of the Civic United Front (CUF) garnered 49.1 percent.

Shein scooped 179,809 votes, while Hamad, who automatically becomes the first vice-president, as per the Zanzibar Constitution amendment, garnered 176,338 votes.

Both leaders called for calm, pledging to work together for the betterment of the semi-autonomous country.

Other contestants were Said Soud said of AFP who got 480 votes or 0.1 per cent, Kassim Bakari Haji of Jahazi Asilia who managed 803 votes or 0.2 percent, Ambar Khaji Khamis of NCCR-Mageuzi who got 363 votes equivalent to 0.12 percent, Khaji Khamis Khaji of NRA who got 525 votes or 0.1 percent and Tadea’s Juma Ali Khatibu who managed 497 votes equivalent to 0.1 per cent.

Shein is expected to assume office as the seventh Zanzibar President on Wednesday.

Dr Shein, who becomes the first native of Pemba island to lead Zanzibar, told a gathering at Bwawani Hotel where the results were announced, that he was capable of the task ahead.

“I know that leading a government of national unity is challenging, because this is a new system here. But I will make sure it works efficiently for the benefit of the current and future generations,” he said.

Zanzibar amended its constitution after a referendum approved the formation of a government of national unity. This was after numerous election-related violence in the Indian Ocean archipelago.

Presidential, parliamentary and councillorship elections were held in Zanzibar on Sunday, the same day with Tanzania mainland’s general elections.

Zanzibar gained independence from Britain in December 1963 as a constitutional monarchy. A month later, the Zanzibar Revolution led to the establishment of the Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba. On April 26, 1964, the mainland Tanganyika and Zanzibar formed the United Republic of Tanzania.

Meanwhile, the final result of Tanzania’s general elections is expected to be announced on tomorrow.

President Jakaya Kikwete is widely expected to win a second term, despite the spirited challenge posed by Chadema's Dr Wilbrod and Civic United Front's Prof Ibrahim Lipumba.

Others vying for the top seat are NCCR Mageuzi’s Hashim Rungwe and Fahni Dovutwa of the United People’s Democratic Party (UPDP) and APPT Maendeleo Peter Kuga Mziray.


Dr Shein leads in 26 , 1st November 2010 @ 12:06 , Total hits: 169CCM Zanzibar Presidential aspirant, Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, is leading in 26 out of 43 constituencies whose results were officially announced by the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) on Monday.

All the constituencies in which Dr Shein has scooped most votes are in Unguja while his closest challenger, Mr Seif Sharif Hamad of the Civic United Front (CUF), was leading in 17 constituencies, 15 of them in Pemba, his party’s stronghold.

Addressing journalists here on Monday, ZEC Chairman Mr Khatib Mwinyichande said 10,884 people were registered for the elections at Fuoni constituency out of whom, 9,367 people voted.

Results were as follows: Dr Shein of CCM got 6,351, while Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad pulled 2,777, Kasim Bakar Ali of Jahazi Asilia got 9 votes.

At Mtoni constituency, a total of 8,768 people cast their votes in which CUF is leading by 4,852 votes, CCM (3,746).

Dole Constituency: 4,912 cast their votes and the results are as follows: CUF (2,007), CCM (4,777) and Jahazi Asilia 16.

Donge constituency: 7,289 people voted. CCM got 6,320, CUF (773), Jahazi Asilia (28), NCCR Mageuzi (5), NRA (5) TADEA got 11 while 138 were spoilt.

Uzini Constituency: A total of 8,120 people voted. 164 votes were spoilt. CCM got 7,158, CUF (736), AFP (14), Jahazi Asilia(26), NCCR Mageuzi got 7 votes, NRA (8) and TADEA 12.

In Dimani Constituency, some 11,383 voters cast their votes in which 175 votes were spoilt. CUF garnered 4,898 votes, CCM (6,225), Jahazi Asilia (23) and Tadea (23).

Kiembe Samaki: 3,856 voters casted polls in which 50 were spoilt. CUF got 1,041, CCM (2,734) and NCCR (10).

At Mwanakwerekwe, CCM got 4,338 votes while CUF pulled 4,119 and NRA 10 out of 8,062 people who voted.

There was a stiff competition at Bububu constituency where CCM got 4,458 votes while CUF registered 4,119 votes. A total of 8,827 people cast votes. NRA got 12 votes.

At Mfenesini constituency: A total of 6,203 people voted. CCM (3,755), CUF (2,246), AFP 11. Spoilt votes were 165.

Amani Constituency: Some 6,857 people voted. CCM got 4,567, CUF (2,312), Spoilt -12.

Raha Leo Constituency: A total of 6,300 people voted. CCM got 4,043 while CUF pulled 2,216. Other parties and their votes in bracket are AFP (4), Jahazi Asilia (14), NCCR Mageuzi (9), NRA (6) and TADEA got 8 votes.

Mji Mkongwe constituency: Those who voted were 6,414 out of which 80 votes were spoilt. CCM got 1,589 while CUF got 4,717. Other parties and their votes are AFP (9), Jahazi Asilia (7), NCCR Mageuzi (3), NRA (6) and TADEA 3.

Magogoni: CCM got 4,043, CUF (2,216) and spoilt votes were 99. There were 6,399 people who voted in this particular constituency.

Kikwajuni: There were 6,513 voters. CCM got 4,534, CUF (1,860), AFP (6), Jahazi Aslia (10), NRA (12) and TADEA (9).

Kwahani: There were 6,459 voters and CCM got 4,994 votes, CUF (1,349), AFP (8), Jahazi Asilia (12) and TADEA 15.

Mpendae: Voters (8,596). CCM got 4,870 while CUF polled 3,546 votes. Other parties got the following votes. Jahazi Aslia (8), TADEA (13), NRA (28) and NCCR Mageuzi 4 votes.

Kwahani Constituency: CCM got 7,247 votes out of 10,634 votes cast, CUF (3,099), AFP (9), Jahazi Asilia (30), NCCR Mageuzi (26), NRA (21) and TADEA (18). Some 184 votes were spoilt.


Muyuni Constituency: CCM got 6,052 out of 7,561 votes cast, CUF (1,316), Jahazi Asilia (15), NRA (14), TADEA (13), AFP (9) and NCCR-Mageuzi (4). Some 138 votes were spoilt.

Makunduchi Constituency: CCM (6,544) out of 8,044 votes cast, CUF (1,256), Jahazi Asilia (15), AFP (13), NCCR Mageuzi (6) and TADEA (5).

Chwaka Constituency: CCM (7,365) out of 9,297 votes cast, CUF (1,610), Jahazi Asilia (33), NRA (18), TADEA (13) and AFP (36).

Kitope Constituency: CCM polled 5,183 out of 6,635 votes cast, CUF (1,186), AFP (13), Jahazi Asilia (21), NCCR Mageuzi (11), NRA (8) and TADEA (14). Some 199 votes were spoilt.

Magomeni Constituency: CCM got 5,200 out of 8,833 votes cast, CUF (3.494), TADEA (18), NRA (13), Jahazi Asilia (10), NCCR- Mageuzi (8) and AFP (8). Some 82 votes were spoilt.

Bumbwini Constituency: CCM got 3,662 votes out of 6,254 votes cast, CUF (2,377), AFP (13), TADEA (10), NRA (10), Jahazi Asilia (8) and NCCRMageuzi (4).