CUF’s Seif pledges full autonomy for Zanzibar
CUF’s presidential candidate in Zanzibar, Mr Seif Shariff Hamad (left), chats with Chadema union presidential candidate Edward Lowassa at the launch of CUF’s campaign in Zanzibar yesterday. PHOTO | MICHUZI BLOG
What you need to know:
Mr Hamad, who is contesting the Zanzibar presidency for the fifth time, vows to protect the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.
Dar es Salaam. The CUF Zanzibar presidential candidate, Mr Seif Shariff Hamad, said yesterday he understands Isles people’s desire for full autonomy, which, he promised, will be fulfilled if his party wins the October 25 elections.
That autonomy, he pledged, will be possible under a three-government structure Union as per the Ukawa plan.
Mr Hamad, who is contesting the Zanzibar presidency for the fifth consecutive time, vowed to protect the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar with the Isles gaining full autonomy at the same time.
He said his party was ready to work on the matter once he wins the October poll. The CUF secretary general, who doubles as Zanzibar First Vice President, was addressing thousands of party members and supporters at Kibanda Maiti grounds in the Isles.
The campaign launch was also attended by Chadema Presidential candidate Edward Lowassa, Mr Hamad’s running mate Juma Duni Haji and other senior Ukawa officials.
He said effecting the Draft Constitution as proposed by Judge (rtd) Joseph Warioba-led Katiba team would be among his government’s top priorities.
Mr Hamad believes a three-government Union structure is the best approach to end contentious issues pitting the 51-year-old Tanganyika-Zanzibar unity.
“We want full autonomy for Zanzibar and a three-government Union structure is the answer,” he said.
He went on: “CCM manipulated the document in Dodoma and our dreams evaporated; if elected in October, my government will adopt the Warioba-proposed Katiba,” he said.
Mr Hamad insisted that each side of the Union must have equal autonomy without one being bossed by the other.
According to Mr Hamad, Zanzibaris have been living in fear due to the continuous threats from police and other security organs.
He compared Tanzania Mainland with the notorious Guantanamo Bay detention camp, saying Zanzibaris have been transported from the Isles to Mainland jails for no good reasons.
“In Zanzibar, we have the High Court and competent judges, but Isles suspects are often shipped to Mainland prisons…I will bring them back when I assume power in October,” he vowed.
Moreover, Mr Hamad promised to build a strong economy and improve lives of Zanzibaris. He said within a short time of his presidency, Zanzibar will be among the strongest economies in Africa. “I want to change Zanzibar in a short time, this country will be like Singapore,” he said.
