ELEVEN political parties in Zanzibar have condemned statements attributed to Chadema Mainland vice chairman Tundu Lissu, describing the positions expressed as “offensive and discriminatory.”

Juma Ali Khatib, chairman of the African Democratic Alliance Party (ADA-TADEA) read a joint statement here on Monday, citing remarks by Chadema leaders in Manyara and Dodoma rallies.

The leaders, led by the party vice chairman, criticised President Samia Suluhu Hassan from the premise of her being Zanzibari, which the parties warned that the statements made recently by Lissu in various political platforms threaten peace and unity in the country.

The joint statement asked security organs as well as the Registrar of Political Parties to conduct a comprehensive investigation on the statements made by the top Chadema official and take urgent corrective action.

They raised questions if this leader is patriotic to this country, affirming that Tanzanians have no culture of insulting and disrespecting one another, as the country is built on the foundations of mutual respect.

The participating parties are NCCR Mageuzi, Demokrasia Makini, United People’s Democratic Party (UPDP), Tanzania Labour Party (TLP), Sauti ya Umma (SAU), Democratic Party (DP), Union for Multiparty Democracy (UMD), National League for Democracy (NLD), Chama Cha Kijamii (CCK) and National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA).

Khatib, who is also chairman of the Council of Political Parties, said that as leaders of political parties, those signing do not support such statements and condemn them. “We urge people to ignore the statements that aim to propel discrimination in the country,” they appealed.

He said it is important for people to practically live President Samia’s 4R philosophy of reconciliation, resilience, reform and rebuilding that promotes socio-economic prosperity and multiparty democracy.

He said that President Samia lifted restrictions on political activities, allowing political parties to conduct rallies “but this should not be misused by stimulating chaos.”

Haji Ambari Khamis, the NCCR Mageuzi vice chairman for Zanzibar, said political parties have a role to build the future of the union.

He said that the government has made major improvements in elections laws which include forming an independent electoral commission, where over 60 percent of issues raised by political parties have been resolved.

Ali Makame Issa, a noted human rights and good governance activist, echoed the political parties’ position saying that it is important for Tanzanians to focus on promoting development rather than spending time issuing offensive statements that risk destroying the nation.

When contacted, Lissu said that “he has been speaking on behalf of people for years criticizing things which are seen to be wrong.

“I am the one who has shouted a lot about challenges of the Union and how Zanzibar was being suppressed in the Union but they never said anything,” he stated.