Muslim leaders want fair vote
2005-08-31 13:44
Zanzibar, Tanzania - Muslim leaders appealed to election officials on Wednesday to ensure that the upcoming general election was free and fair.
The executive secretary of the Imams Association of Zanzibar, Muhidin Zubeir, said he told the electoral commission that the islands' religious leaders were concerned about increasing political violence in the semi-autonomous archipelago.
Muhidin said: "The Zanzibar Electoral Commission has a moral obligation to observe the code of conduct for running free and fair elections in Zanzibar.
"They are duty-bound to see Zanzibar remain peaceful during elections and after the elections."
Commission 'not trusted'
The October 30 general election was only the third multi-party election in Zanzibar's history.
According to international observers, the last two had serious flaws and many opposition supporters did not trust the commission.
Zanzibar, located off of the Tanzanian coast, is more than 90% Muslim.
The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party had characterised the main opposition party, the Civic United Front, as an Islamic party, something opposition leaders denied.
Muhidin said: "ZEC will be accountable to God in the day of judgement for their decision."
Muhidin said the imams were very concerned about the growing violence surrounding the voter registration process.
On Monday, the imams met Christian leaders, the police and other government officials to discuss how to prevent election violence.
- AP