Talks on Zanzibar Situation on Track Says Dr Shein

Zanzibar president Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, has called for patience as he assured Tanzanians that talks to resolve the political impasse in the isles were going on well. Dr Shein met with president John Magufuli in Dar Es Salaam to brief the latter on progress made so far in the dialogue aimed at finding an amicable solution to the stand-off in Zanzibar, after the electoral body annulled the polls, claiming it was marred with irregularities.

"I came here to brief the president (Dr Magufuli) on progress made so far in the talks, which started on November 9," the statement released by the Directorate of Presidential Communication Unit read in part.

Dr Shein is the chairman of the special committee involved in the talks, which includes, among others, Zanzibar First Vice- President, Mr Seif Sharif Hamad, Second Vice-President, Ambassador Seif Ali Idd, retired union presidents Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Dr Jakaya Kikwete as well as Zanzibar's retired presidents Dr Amani Abeid Karume and Dr Salmin Amour.

The move elicited strong reaction from Mr Seif Shariff Hamad, the CUF presidential candidate, who opposed the decision, saying the elections were free and fair and proclaimed himself the winner of the presidential poll.

However, the ZEC Chairman, Mr Jecha Salim Jecha, had explained that the election was not free and violated laws and regulations, including double voting and cheating.

He had also accused ZEC commissioners of partisanship. Yesterday's talks followed another meeting between President Magufuli and Mr Hamad at State House a few days ago.

During the meeting, Dr Magufuli had promised to ensure peace and harmony is maintained in Zanzibar as leaders work to resolve the current political situation.

Both leaders had urged the public to be patient and provide a chance for the discussions that are ongoing to reach amicable and peaceful solution, stressing that CCM and CUF will not fail to find a sustainable solution to the political situation in the Isles.

Meanwhile, a special Committee of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) National Executive Committee (NEC) is tomorrow expected to convene a meeting at the Party's Sub-Office at Kisiwandui in the Isles.

"Among other issues, the meeting will receive and discuss various reports from the party's departments and units," CCM said in a statement. The meeting comes after the Secretariat of the special Committee of NEC held the meeting on December 23, this year, to organise the next meeting agenda.

Culled from Daily News