Zanzibar ID plans draw fire

2005-03-29 11:58

Zanzibar - Plans by authorities on Tanzania's politically volatile semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar to register all residents and require them to carry identification cards before October's election came under fire on Tuesday.

The opposition Civic United Front (CUF) decried the proposal -- to be considered by Zanzibar's legislature when it meets next in April - as a waste of money and part of an alleged plot by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM - Revolutionary Party) to sabotage the polls.

"It is untimely and a wastage of funds with a hidden agenda to block opposition supporters from taking part in general elections," said CUF leader Seif Sharif Hamad.

The government says the law is needed not only to easily identify Zanzibari citizens but also to ensure safety and security as movement between the East African Community (EAC) countries of Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda becomes easier.

But Hamad said the proposal, which he maintained would cost five billion Tanzanian shillings ($4.6m), made little sense given persistent government complaints that it needs more money to properly run the October 30 election.

"Why IDs now? These are just efforts to upset elections," he told reporters, noting that just last week police had banned all political and religious demonstrations.

The ban is part of an operation, that has included night-time sweeps of residential areas, to crack down on "troublemakers" in Zanzibar after CUF and CCM supporters clashed earlier this month.

Under the bill to be debated by lawmakers at their next session beginning on April 6, it would be a criminal offence for any Zanzibari citizen over the age of 18 not to register with authorities and possess an ID card.

Violators would be subject to a fine of at least 100 000 shillings ($92) and/or a one-year prison term. Providing false information to obtain the ID could draw a six-month jail sentence, according to the bill.

In addition, the legislation would require all Zanzibaris living outside Zanzibar to register with authorities within one month their return to the island.

The population of Zanzibar and its sister island of Pemba is just under one million, according to the 2002 census.

- AFP