PRESIDENT Jakaya Kikwete is concerned about the political and security situation in Zanzibar and has been working tirelessly and consulting widely to find an amicable and peaceful resolution to the impasse.
In a statement issued to the media on Sunday by its Directorate of Presidential Communication, the State House expressed regret on claims by the Secretary General of the Civic United Front (CUF), Mr Seif Sharif Hamad, that his request to seek audience with President Kikwete over the matter has been turned down.
According to the statement, the State House has not received any request from Mr Hamad seeking appointment to see the president from the Election Day in Zanzibar to the subsequent nullification of the poll.
“What President Kikwete has received are complaints by CUF about some actions from some sections of the Police Force in Zanzibar and a request for him to facilitate a conversation between Mr Hamad and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Davis Mwamunyange,” the statement read in part.
Following the complaints, President Kikwete has subsequently instructed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Ernest Mangu, to investigate the claims and report back to him.
The president has also instructed his office to facilitate conversation between General Mwamunyange and CUF officials.
“While the matter remains firmly in the hands of an independent electoral body in Zanzibar, Mr Kikwete would like to express his readiness to do whatever is in his powers to regularise the situation in Zanzibar,” the statement further read.
ZEC annulled polls in the Isles, citing “massive irregularities and violation of the electoral code of conduct, the situation which has created confrontation between CUF, which is the main Isles opposition party and the election management body.
Culled from Daily News
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