EU OBSERVERS: RECALL Z’BAR VOTE TALLYING

In a statement released to media, the mission reiterated its appeal for ZEC to swiftly complete the electoral process in line with principles for democratic elections and the laws of Zanzibar. The mission remained in the country to follow the postponed elections on Tanzania Mainland and the interrupted electoral process in Zanzibar.

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Dar es Salaam. The European Union (EU) Election Observation Mission has called for a swift completion of the electoral process in Zanzibar in line with principles for inclusive, transparent, periodic and credible elections.

In a statement released to media, the mission reiterated its appeal for ZEC to swiftly complete the electoral process in line with principles for democratic elections and the laws of Zanzibar. The mission remained in the country to follow the postponed elections on Tanzania Mainland and the interrupted electoral process in Zanzibar.

During the time, the mission met with key stakeholders in the Isles, including political parties, the former and current Attorneys General, members of the legal community and the judiciary as well as civil society organisations and electoral officials. However, the mission was unable to meet with the ZEC Chairman, Mr Jecha Salum Jecha who annulled the election on October 28.

The mission also said that it had taken note of the ongoing discussions between CCM and CUF, with the involvement of former presidents of Zanzibar.

However, the mission called for Zanzibar political leadership to put the interest of the United Republic of Tanzania and Zanzibar first, with a view to swiftly complete the electoral process.
“The EU EOM has been in Tanzania since 11 September to follow the electoral processes in the Union and in Zanzibar. Most of the 141 EU observers in Tanzania returned to Europe in mid-November, but a small team of election analysts remained in the country to follow the remaining steps of the electoral process,” said EU EOM Chief Observer, Judith Sargentini.

According to Ms Sargetini, although the mission will temporarily redeploy to Europe on December 8, European Union remains fully committed to the electoral process in Zanzibar and to the broader democratic process in Tanzania.

She added that he EU EOM would be ready to return and to observe the electoral process in Zanzibar when an agreement for the resumption of the electoral process was reached. She insisted that the process should be in line with inclusive, transparent, periodic and credibility.

Zanzibar plunged into political crisis on October 28 after ZEC annulled the election which according to observer missions was free and fair. The international community as well as the main opposition party, CUF, have been putting pressure on the ZEC to announce the winner of October 25 election. However, the ruling party, CCM, has insisted that Zanzibar must hold fresh elections.