Zanzibar First President Amani Abeid Karume, who came to power after the triumph of the revolution in January of 1964. They immediately united with maninland Tanganyikia to form the United Republic of Tanzania.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos
AFP
ZANZIBAR. Zanzibar has opted to enshrine power-sharing in the
constitution in a bid to end decades of crippling political feuds,
according to referendum results released yesterday.
Two thirds of the semi-autonomous Tanzanian territory’s voters
approved the idea of a coalition government being formed after the
upcoming October 31 polls, the Zanzibar Electoral Commission
announced.
The "yes" vote, supported by both the ruling CCM and the opposition
CUF parties, mustered 66,4 percent while the "no" vote took 33,4
percent in the referendum held on Saturday.
Tallying from polling stations on the two islands of Unguja and Pemba
lasted through the night and official results were announced at a
central results centre set up in a hotel in the capital Stone Town.
"With these results, there is no loser and there is no winner. Let us
believe that we have all won," ZEC chairman Khatib Mwinyichande said. The referendum will bring an amendment to the constitution to create two vice-president positions to be split between the parties that come first and second in parliamentary polls.
Ministries will be allocated on a proportional basis.
"The peace and stability which prevailed during the referendum should
continue," Mwinyichande added.
Zanzibar declared independence on January 12, 1964 after a revolution that ended several centuries of rule by Arab sultans.
Three months later, it merged with mainland Tanganyika to form the
United Republic of Tanzania, but maintained a semi-autonomous
government with its own president, constitution, flag and national
anthem.
Rivalry between the main CCM and CUF parties has been bitter and often bloody since the re-introduction of multi-party politics in 1992 but
both movements rejoiced yesterday at the "yes" vote’s convincing win.
"I’m really happy with the results and I hope that what we’ve been
building since November last year will benefit all Zanzibaris,"
opposition CUF leader Seif Sharif Hamad said after witnessing the
results being read out.
"The people have expressed their opinion that they need unity in Zanzibar.
"I hope the next elections will be peaceful and we shall continue to
work together with the opposition," ruling CCM secretary general Saleh
Feruz said.
Opposition bastions overwhelmingly voted yes while the no vote had a
slight edge in most CCM-dominated areas, where some ruling party
faithful remained opposed to relinquishing any power to their old
foes.
Youth groups celebrated the result of the referendum in the streets of
Stone Town yesterday, waving flags to the effigy of President Amani
Karume as well as the colours of the CUF.
Zanzibar is home to around 1,2 million people and is known around the
world as an idyllic travel destination with spices, palm-fringed
beaches and a rich history that inspired famous writers. — AFP.
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