Violence erupts ahead of polls

2005-09-26 12:19

Zanzibar - At least 29 people were injured over the weekend when supporters of rival parties clashed in Tanzania's semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar ahead of October elections, police and witnesses said on Monday.

Backers of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM - Revolutionary Party) and opposition Civic United Front (CUF) fought with metal bars and stones after leaving separate campaign rallies on Sunday, they said.

Sixteen CUF supporters were admitted at Al-Rahma Hospital and 13 from the CCM were admitted at Mnazi Mmoja National Hospital, they said, adding that numerous other people sustained minor injuries.

Probe into the attacks

Zanzibar assistant police commissioner George Kizuguto confirmed the incident but declined to comment further, pending a probe into the attacks that occurred as both sides prepare for the October 30 general elections.

"Those who are proved to have started the clashes will be charged," he said.

According to police and witnesses, the violence erupted when youths from the two sides left the rallies and encountered each other about 10km from Zanzibar's main city Stone Town.

But CUF spokesperson Salum Bimani said they were first attacked in the presence of riot police.

"Our vehicle was attacked by CCM youths, stoning the people inside, the anti-riot police were at the scene, but did not take any action," Bimani said.

CCM officials could not immediately be reached for comment.

Bitter political battle

The CUF and CCM are locked in bitter battle for political control of Zanzibar and dozens of people were injured in clashes between their supporters in March and April after the upcoming election was set and during voter registration.

Both sides have accused the other of violating a 2001 truce known as the "Muafaka Accord", which was signed in a bid to prevent a repeat of deadly violence on Zanzibar that killed nearly 40 people after Tanzania's last elections in 2000.

The CUF has twice lost to the CCM in elections, in 1995 and 2000, and has repeatedly complained that Zanzibari authorities, particularly the police and the electoral commission, are favouring the CCM by harassing opposition supporters.

- AFP