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House hails Kikwete’s initiative to tackle Isles-Mainland differences
2006-01-20 08:35:49
By Issa Yussuf, Zanzibar
Members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives (ZHR) have commended Union President Jakaya Kikwete’s initiative to tackle the problems that dog the Union.
However, opposition party members remained adamant that the results of Isles October 30 general election were doctored in favour of CCM.
The House began business by debating President Amani Abeid Karume’s speech, which he delivered when he inaugurated the House last month yesterday.
CCM members Tafana Kassim Mzee (Uzini) and Hamza Hassan Juma (Kwamtipura) said President Kikwete has shown determination to get to the bottom of the problems bedevilling the Union for once and for all.
’President Kikwete must be commended for incorporating Zanzibaris in all ministries in the Union government. Problems such as deep sea-fishing and fuel shortages will now be solved,’ Hassan observed.
Kassim added: ’There is no one as good as President Kikwete. Nani kama Kikwete (Who can be compared to Kikwete!),’ he posed the question as his CCM colleagues responded ’Hakuna! (None).’
However, the debate, which was carried live on national television, was marred with booing and heckling from either side of the house with the opposition ridiculing CCM for allegedly rigging the October 30 general election.
CUF representatives said that CCM used security forces to rig the elections.
The CCM side responded by saying the polls were free and fair and the outcome was a reflection of the voters’ verdict.
Shadow Minister of State in the President’s Office Zakia Omar Juma (CUF-Special Seats) commented: ’President Karume was very right when he thanked security forces and former President Benjamin Mkapa because they were the ones who made sure that he returned to power.’
’It is on record that Mkapa said he would use state organs to make sure CCM won the elections and that is what happened.
He deployed many security forces in Zanzibar who beat up, harassed, killed and raped people. Let us observe one minute silenCE in memory of those who died,’ Zakia said.
House Speaker Pandu Ameir Kificho, rejected the request to observe the silence before Hajji Faki Shaali (CUF- Mkanyageni) also said that President Karume should be thankful to security forces and Mkapa for helping him retain power.
He proposed the formation of a commission of inquiry to probe CCM and CUF over their conduct during the polls.
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