The Civic United Front (CUF) secretary-general, Mr Seif Sharif Hamad, has declared his intention to contest the Zanzibar presidency in the October elections.
He broke the news during an exclusive interview with The Citizen in a Dar es Salaam hotel yesterday, where he is recuperating following his discharge from hospital on Thursday last week. He assured the public that he was now in good health and that he was ready to resume his daily activities.
He said he would dully present his name as the CUF flag bearer for the Isle's presidency when the party launches its nomination process slated for April.
He said he was optimistic he would clinch his party's ticket for the highest political office in the Isles. If he were nominated, this would be his fourth attempt the presidency that CCM has held since the re-introduction of multiparty elections in 1995.
“I am confirming that I will offer myself
to run for the post...I am ready for the party's endorsement," said Mr Hamad, who once served as chief minister before falling out with CCM.
he becomes the first person to declare his intention to run for the Zanzibari presidency in the election slated for October.
He said this would be the best opportunity yet for his party's participation in the General Election. He pointed out that the reconciliation between him and President Amani Abeid Karume would ensure both parties go into the elections with renewed confidence and optimism for a better outcome.
Mr Karume will not be eligible for re-election after the expiry of his two-term tenure.
"This year's election will be one of hope and peace. The passing of the Act to facilitate formation of a government of national unity means all parties participating in the elections will be accommodated in the final analysis," he said.
Commenting on political troubles that continue to haunt governments of national unity in Africa, Mr Hamad said the Zanzibar situation would be quite different.
He said unlike Kenya or Zimbabwe, the Zanzibar unity government would not be one resulting from a disputed election outcome, but one formed out of a pre-planned and mutual agreement borne of recognition of national interest.
"You cannot compare our planned type of unity government with that of Kenya and Zimbabwe which resulted from immense pressure from outside ...we are not being pressured from any quarter," Mr Hamad declared.
He added: "For many years since the introduction of multiparty politics in 1956, our country has been marred by political violence that impeded prosperity for our people; time has come that we forego that dark past."
"Because there were forces between reconciliations in the other countries, then it's very obvious that quarrels are still rife in their governments, but that will not happen in Zanzibar because ours is going to involve wananchi who will give their consent through a referendum."
On the recently formed opposition party, Chama Cha Jamii (CCJ), he described it as "a passing cloud" that he said rode on claims of big wigs in politics behind it to gain popularity.
like his peers in the Opposition, he said CCJ does not bother him or threaten CUF.
On the Isles' economy, he said: "To be honest, the Zanzibar political impasse has affected our economy...but Zanzibar has talents that would bring tremendous changes in a very short period as long as we are committed," he said.
He said the Isles government has not done enough to improve their agriculture and fishing, adding that if these sectors are fully modernized, then wananchi would benefit from their resources.
Zanzibar's major economic sectors include agriculture, trade, industries, and tourism.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy largely due to the clove industry, which is the main foreign currency earner.
Mr Hamad said some Zanzibaris in the Diaspora have pledged full support in the effort to revive the Isles' economy. "We are going to fully utilize their skills and talents," he said.
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