DP supports Karume on ’unity govt’
 
2006-11-13 08:45:51
By Frank Mbunda

	The Chairman of Democratic Party (DP), Christopher Mtikila, speaks during a press conference at his office in Dar es Salaam yesterday. (Photo: Khalfan Said)

Chairman of Democratic Party Christopher Mtikila, has supported Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume’s statement that there is no need for the establishment of a unity government on the Isles.

Speaking during a news conference yesterday in Dar es Salaam, Mtikila said a government of national unity required constitutional changes.

”Such a decision will violate the country’s Constitution,” he said.

Mtikila added that there was no need to re-run the Zanzibar elections just for the sake of fulfilling CUF’s demand to be included in the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.

”I concur with the decision of Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume that there is no need for a unity government in Zanzibar. What is required is amendment of the Constitution,” Mtikila said.

He said he did not support the just-ended CUF demonstration because ”it was not aimed at protecting national interests.”

Mtikila said that CUF and CHADEMA were responsible for post-election crisis in Zanzibar, by furthering the personal motives of their politicians rather than national interests.

”CUF is a victim of a political gimmick caused by the signing of the CUF-CCM accord (Muafaka) in 2001,” the DP leader said.

He claimed that the accord was just aimed at recognizing CUF Secretary General Seif Sharif Hamad as a retired Chief Minister, so that he would be entitled to receiving benefits such as a luxurious vehicle and huge package of retirement benefits.

”I am now of the opinion that the CUF demonstration was just for fulfilling personal interests of CUF leaders,” Mtikila said.

Meanwhile, Mwinyi Sadalah reports that thousands of CUF supporters in Zanzibar yesterday took part in peaceful demonstration in protest against statements made by President Amani Abeid Karume.

Speaking at the rally which was held at Kibandamaiti grounds, CUF Secretary General Seif Sharif Hamad said the nasty scenes of January 2001 should never be repeated in Zanzibar and anyone fomenting disunity did not deserve to be a leader.

”Since introduction of multi-party democracy in 1992, no impressive democratic or economic developments have been registered in Zanzibar.

Efforts to realize these objectives should not be discouraged. It is illusive for CCM to deny that there is a political deadlock in Zanzibar,” Hamad said.

He said CUF was disappointed by President Karume’s utterances that there was no plan to hold negotiations on the formation of a government of national unity or that no political standoff existed in Unguja and Pemba.

”If anarchy occurs, no one will be spared. CUF and CCM supporters will be equally affected. Those instigating violence have their family members abroad but that also won’t help,” he said.

TLP National Chairman Augustine Mrema, said there had been deliberate motives to sideline Pemba residents due to their ardent support for the CUF.

He accused CCM of the prevailing political showdown, adding that actions done by CCM leaders would lead the country astray.

”There is a deliberate plot to sow division among the people of Zanzibar in terms of Wapemba and Waunguja,” Mrema said.

The rally took place amid tight security in various areas of Zanzibar.

• SOURCE: Guardian