ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

(23 Oct 1995) English/Nat

The people of Zanzibar have gone to the polls to vote in the spice island's first free presidential election since its creation 31 years ago.

Thousands turned out to cast their ballots in what independent observers agree was a largely fair vote.

The main choice was between incumbent president Salim Amour of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (C-C-M) and the head of the opposition Civic United Front (C-U-F), Seif Sheriff Hamad.

Hamad is pushing for greater independence and, if elected, promises to review the union agreement between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania.

The turn out was almost too good - some electoral districts reported a shortage of ballot papers as thousands queued to cast their vote in Zanzibar's first free presidential elections.

Joined to mainland Tanzania by a 31-year-old union treaty, Zanzibar may have edged closer to independence when the results are announced.

Rising economic growth in one of the world's poorest nations has prompted growing calls for greater financial freedom from Tanzania.

Zanzibar's current leader, Salim Amour, is running for a second term of office on the strength of the economic up-turn.

It promises to be a close-fought contest, but Amour insists he will honour the outcome of the vote.

SOUNDBITE (English):
"It is very important because it is a day when we exercise our democratic rights." (Journalist asks whether he'll accept results) "Of course, of course."
SUPER CAPTION: Salim Amour, President of Zanzibar

Amour has taken much of the credit for Zanzibar's recent growth and enjoys genuine support. Despite reports of harassing opposition parties earlier in the campaign, international observers said Sunday's vote was largely fair.

But the opposition accuses Amour's government of widespread corruption and mismanagement.

Seif Sheriff Hamad heads the Civic Union Front (C-U-F), running neck and neck with Amour's ruling C-C-M party. He is pushing for a crack down on graft and promises greater economic independence if elected.

SOUNDBITE:
(English):
(Journalist asks when he would address Union issue if elected) "Within the first hundred days."
SUPER CAPTION: Seif Sheriff Hamad, C-U-F leader and presidential candidate

Hamad claims he is not in favour of complete independence for the island nation. A "just union" would suffice, he says.

Results are expected early this week.

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