Troubling Elections in Zanzibar 7 November 2005

On November 3, the US Department of State issued a press release condemning political violence in the aftermath of October 30 elections in the semi-autonomous Zanzibar region.  It calls for the release of arrested opposition members, the withdrawal of security forces from around the opposition party’s headquarters and the formation of an independent inquiry to investigate voting irregularities.

Time Europe reported the opposition claims that the ruling party often rigs the island of Zanzibar’s elections, backing up the results with security forces.  Time noted that 20,000 Tanzania troops were sent to the island “to prevent unrest” during the October 30 elections.  The Time article quoted a “young villager” as saying, “It's going to be a long battle but we have to make sure that we get real free and fair elections. And as long as the international community is not interested in helping us, we have to do it ourselves."
The Cape Times in South Africa in a November 7 article reported that the Civic United Front, the opposition party, has decided to take their seats in the legislature but refuses to acknowledge the results of the presidential election or participate in the president’s government.  The Cape Times also noted that the CUF has stated that it will participate in upcoming national elections.