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Karume: I’m president of all Zanzibaris
2005-11-03 07:19:48
By Guardian Reporter
Zanzibar President, Amani Abeid Karume, has promised to serve all Zanzibaris as their leader irrespective of their political affiliation and the differences caused by last Sunday’s elections.
He made the promise soon after being sworn in for the second and final five-year term by Isles’ Chief Judge, Hamid Mahmood, at the Zanzibar House of Representatives grounds yesterday.
’I’ll never discriminate citizens and I’ll lead them with due respect and in accordance with my party’s manifesto,’ he declared.
Besides expressing his gratitude to CCM members for their support, Karume also thanked all Zanaibaris who did not vote for him, saying that they had exercised their democratic right.
He said his victory was assured following the reforms his government had undertaken, which uphold the rule of law, peace and security in the country.
He cited the signing of the Peace Accord (Muafaka) between CCM and CUF, which he said had laid down the important guidelines that focused on national cohesiveness among the
Zanzibaris.
Karume also referred to the amendment of the Zanzibar constitution that guarantees protection and upholding of human rights and the establishment of the Ministry of Legal, Constitutional Affairs and Good Governance for the same purpose.
’All these enabled me to win the elections and this is a gesture of appreciation by the electorate and I would like to tell those who voted for me that their voice has been heard,’ he said.
Commenting on the general conduct of the elections, he praised the people on the Isles for what he called political maturity that gave room for the free and fair elections.
’Even international observers have concurred that the elections were free and fair and this has earned our country respect,’ he said.
However, Karume admitted that there were minor and isolated incidents of violence that were aimed at disrupting the elections and which he said, were vain because security forces quashed them.
The president also told CUF, the dominant opposition party on the Isles, to concede defeat and work with CCM to bring about development in Zanzibar.
’CUF, and some election observers protested against both the 1995 and 2000 general elections results on the grounds that CCM used underhand tricks to win. This time around even the observers themselves have confirmed that the elections were free and fair,’ he said.
He accused CUF of instigating violence and lawlessness during the elections, which according to him, was a sign of political immaturity that put at risk the Isles’ peace and security.
He urged the party’s leaders and newly elected members of the House of Representatives not to engage in unending and unnecessary squabbles.
Karume called also upon local and international development partners to support his government’s efforts to improve the Isles economy.
Several senior government leaders, including President Benjamin Mkapa, religious leaders, envoys accredited to Tanzania attended the ceremony.
The former Zanzibar president, Dr Salmin Amour, said that the victory proved that the country is led democratically.
Former Union president, Ali Hassan Mwinyi, was of the opinion that CCM enjoys the support of all Tanzanians and would also win the Union presidency.
Union presidential candidate Jakaya Kikwete said that the victory indicated that CCM would win the December 18 general election.
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