Zanzibar poll hits a snag
2005-04-17 12:53
Zanzibar - Authorities in Tanzania's semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar suspended registration of voters for two days on Sunday to rectify "irregularities" in the exercise that has been marred by controversy ahead of October elections, officials said.
The suspension, which took effect on Sunday, was aimed at rectifying "irregularities, including (faulty) cameras", which are used to take pictures of voters' cards, said a statement by the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC).
It did not give more details on the irregularities.
The exercise was briefly suspended early this month in a bid by election authorities to cool tensions between the main parties that have flared in the recent weeks.
The October 30 general elections in Tanzania have generated controversy in the island with widespread incidents of violence and opposition Civic United Front (CUF) presidential candidate Seif Shariff Hamad, who was on Thursday barred from contesting.
Seif's candidacy was nullified on grounds of a new law that denies the right to vote to Zanzibaris who have not lived on the island for the past three consecutive years.
He has accused the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM Chama Cha Mapinduzi - Revolutionary Party) for plotting to lock him out and vowed to appeal.