Tanzanian Association Oslo

STATEMENT

Statement by Heads of Mission in Tanzania on the Voter Registration Process in Zanzibar

13 August 2009

We, the undersigned Heads of Mission, would like to underline that the right to vote is a fundamental democratic principle. It is the responsibility of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to ensure that all Tanzanians will have the possibility to exercise this right in the 2010 elections.

The Heads of Mission are seriously concerned about what appear to be flawed elements in the voter registration process in Zanzibar. Specifically, we are concerned about reports that many Tanzanian citizens on Pemba are facing obstacles to obtain a Zanzibar ID, which has become the principal criterion for voter registration on Zanzibar, and that the issuance of Zanzibar IDs is subject to irregular influence.

The Heads of Mission expect the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to rectify the current shortcomings of the voter registration process. The totality of the changes should ensure that no Tanzanians, including Zanzibaris, will be denied the right to vote in the 2010 elections.

Simultaneously, the Heads of Mission strongly encourage all political parties and groups to refrain from any violence and use peaceful means to express their opinions and differences.

The statement is made by the Heads of Mission in Tanzania of Canada, Japan, Norway and the United States of America.

This statement is made jointly with all EU Heads of Mission in Tanzania: Belgium, Denmark, European Commission Delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden as EU Presidency and the United Kingdom.

US Embassy Dar es Salaam

TAMKO

Tamko La Balozi Za Nje Tanzania Kuhusu Zoezi La Kuandikisha Wapiga Kura Zanzibar

13 Agosti 2009

Sisi. Mabalozi wa balozi zilizoorodheshwa hapo juu, tunapenda kusisitiza kuwa haki ya kupiga kura ni msingi muhimu wa demokrasia. Ni wajibu wa Serikali ya Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania kuhakikisha kuwa Watanzania wote wanapata haki hii wakati wa uchaguzi mkuu wa mwaka 2010.

Mabalozi wanasikitishwa sana na yale yanayoonekana kutia dosari na kuvuruga zoezi la uandikishaji wapiga kura huko Zanzibar. Tunasikitishwa sana, hususan, na taarifa kwamba raia wengi wa Tanzania waliopo Pemba wanakabiliwa na vikwazo katika kupata vitambulisho vya Ukaazi wa Zanzibar, ambavyo vimekuwa ni sharti muhimu la wao kuweza kuandikishwa kama wapiga kura visiwani Zanzibar, na kwamba utoaji wa vitambulisho hivyo ni zoezi lililogubikwa na hali ya upendeleo (irregular influence).

Mabalozi wanazitarajia Serikali ya Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania na Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar kuhakikisha kuwa hatua zote muhimu zinachukuliwa ili kurekebisha kasoro hizi zinazojitokeza hivi sasa katika zoezi la kuandikisha wapiga kura. Hatimaye mabadiliko hayo yalenge katika kuhakikisha kuwa hakuna Mtanzania yeyote, ikiwa ni pamoja na Mzanzibari, atakayenyimwa haki ya kupiga kura katika uchaguzi wa mwaka 2010.

Wakati huo huo, Mabalozi, wanavihimiza vyama na vikundi vyote vya kisiasa kujizuia dhidi ya vitendo vyovyote vya utumiaji nguvu na badala yake vitumie njia za amani katika kutoa maoni na malalamiko yao.

Tamko hili limetolewa na Mabalozi wa Canada, Japan, Norway na Marekani nchini Tanzania.

Tamko hili limetayarishwa kwa pamoja na Mabalozi wa Nchi zote Wanachama wa Jumuiya ya Ulaya nchini Tanzania: Ubelgiji, Denmark,Kamisheni ya Jumuiya ya Ulaya, Finland, France, Ujerumani, Ireland, Italy, Uholanzi, Hispania, Sweden kama rais wa Jumuiya ya Ulaya na Uingereza

Ubalozi wa Marekani Dar es Salaam