Parties resume campaign in Z’bar after Eid break

POLITICAL parties will on Sunday continue with campaigns for the October 25 Zanzibar general elections after Eid al-Adha festivals which was marked on Thursday.

Almost all the presidential candidates and other aspirants joined their families to celebrate Eid which comes after the annual Hajji (Pilgrimage), that was overshadowed by a crane crash and stampede, both accidents killing over 800 pilgrims.

Normally in Zanzibar Eid festival lasts for four consecutive days, but due to time pressure before elections the candidates got themselves only a three-day rest, in which clerics and government leaders emphasised on maintaining peace and stability.

Civic United Front (CUF) presidential candidate, Mr Seif Sharif Hamad, is expected to resume his campaign in Pemba Islands at Micheweni village, while his main rival President Ali Mohamed Shein of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), is scheduled to be in Unguja at Mkokotoni coastal village.

Before the break, Dr Shein addressed followers at Bungi ground in South Unguja where he promised developing the region, including construction of a modern hospital at Binguni village and improving the road network.

He said his good performance during his first term in office was proof that he is a committed leader determined to change Zanzibar gradually, targeting to make it become a middle income country by 2020.

Meanwhile, Mr Seif promised seaweed farmers of better pay for their products, while officers of the Zanzibar paramilitary will see their welfare improve if elected.

Addressing supporters in Mkele area, the presidential hopeful said the paramilitary (popularly known as Vikosi) are underpaid and work in unfavourable conditions, promising to make major reforms including reviewing their salary structure.

“I am also not happy with Tz 700/- per kilo paid for the seaweed farmers. The workload is big, therefore in addition to reviewing the price, my government, if elected, will conduct a research on seaweed processing at home.

Alliance for Democratic Change (ADC)’s presidential candidate for Zanzibar, Mr Hamad Rashid Mohamed, before the Eid break condemned politicians “who use the issue of the detained terror suspects from Zanzibar in Dar es Salaam in seeking votes hence they should be rejected by the electorate.”

He was referring to fellow candidates, Mr Edward Lowassa and Mr Seif from CHADEMA and CUF respectively, who under UKAWA umbrella have repeatedly promised that if elected they will intervene in the case, particularly the venue of trial and delays in justice. He said that they want the suspects to be detained and tried in Zanzibar.