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Zanzibar coalition nowhere in sight
2006-12-28 09:51:33
By Mwinyi Sadallah, Zanzibar
The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi in Zanzibar has said that talks being prepared on the Isles political impasse do not include an agenda for forming a government of national unity as speculated by some leaders of the opposition.
The remarks were made yesterday by CCM Zanzibar Publicity Secretary Vuai Ali Vuai, in an exclusive interview with the Guardian.
Vuai said the purpose of the discussion was to bring about cooperation between the people of Pemba and those of Unguja so as to enable them participate fully in bringing about their own development.
He said the issue of national unity would get the first priority.
’’The issue is so important. That is why all registered political parties will be involved in the talks which will be led by the Committee of Secretary Generals of all political parties,’’ he said.
Vuai said: ’’There is no such an issue as a coalition government. The government which is in power is the only one that will continue to rule until the next elections in 2010.”
He said what was remaining was preparing the timetable for the roundtable discussions, an activity that would be undertaken by CCM Secretary General Yussuf Makamba.
Vuai was responding to widespread rumours circulating in the Isles that there was a possibility of creating a national unity government and that the chief minister’s post would be taken over by the opposition CUF.
Recently, CUF Chairman Prof Ibrahim Lipumba said his party was ready to participate in talks aimed at ending Zanzibar’s political deadlock.
Prof Lipumba said CUF’s aim was to see the Isles’ political split resolved for the purpose of strengthening democracy and national unity.
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