At the invitation of the Zanzibar Electoral Commission the Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed an Election Observers Mission to the 2005 Presidential, House of Representatives and Councillors’ Elections. The Mission was guided by the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections as its terms of reference. The Mission was led by HON. JOHN PANDENI (MP), Minister of Regional and Local Government, Rural Development and Housing of the Republic of Namibia.
The Mission was launched in Zanzibar on 24th of October 2005. However, SADC had pre-election observers constituted by the Diplomatic Missions accredited to the United Republic of Tanzania. The Mission was supported by professional staff from the Office of the Chairperson of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation and the SADC Secretariat. The team comprised of 22 observers covering the width and length of Unguja and Pemba Islands.
The Mission would like to congratulate the people of the United Republic of Tanzania and in particular the people of Zanzibar Islands following the holding of peaceful, professionally managed and transparent elections. The people of Zanzibar have expressed their will in a peaceful and impressive manner that will go a long way in contributing to the consolidation and strengthening of democracy and development not only in Zanzibar but also in the SADC region as a whole. SADC Mission wishes therefore, to commend the people of Zanzibar for high levels of political tolerance and maturity displayed. This, in SADC Mission’s view, bodes well for nurturing a culture of multipartyism as an essential instrument towards the entrenchment of democracy.
In general the pre-election phase was characterised by peace, tolerance and political vigour of the party leaders and candidates.
With regard to the polling process, it is SADC Mission’s overall view that the elections were conducted in an open and transparent manner. The polling stations opened and closed at the appointed times.
It is worth noting that, in general, all stakeholders from party agents, ZEC monitors, law enforcement agencies, local observers and presiding officers performed their duties as expected.
In the discharge of its duties and responsibilities the SADC Mission interacted with political parties and electoral authorities. It also met with the African Union Observer Mission, the Election Commissions Forum of SADC Member States, the Parliamentary Forum of SADC Member States, Civil Society Organisations and opinion-makers as well as members of the media. These meetings served to gain an insight of the political environment and electoral management and to compare notes on various aspects of the election process. SADC was humbled by compliments extended by the people of Zanzibar wherever its members were present. SADC would like to thank all those who have been of assistance to the members of the Mission.
During its observation the Mission noted the following:
- A commendable level of political tolerance, maturity and civil behaviour of political leadership across the Zanzibar Islands;
- Peaceful manner in which supporters of different parties behaved when attending political rallies and meetings;
- Visible policing before, during and after political campaign meetings, casting and counting of votes;
- The presence of party agents in the polling stations during the vote casting and counting;
- A commendable gender equity in the electoral management and electorate;
- Adequate facilities provided to the voters which made the process orderly.
SADC Mission however, noted concerns expressed by some voter card holders whose names did not appear in voter’s roll and belated posting of voters roll to allow fast identification of names at respective polling stations. The Mission was encouraged by the positive response by the Electoral authorities in addressing the above concerns providing clarification to the citizens. These observations do not in any way demerit the whole electoral process and democracy in the Zanzibar Islands.
Once again, SADC Mission congratulates the people of the United Republic of Tanzania and in particular the people of Zanzibar Islands for peaceful, professionally managed and transparent elections. It is the view of SADC Mission that the results shall indeed reflect the will of the people and that the elections were credible and legitimate. The Mission also commends all political parties and candidates for their instructive political maturity, which once again demonstrates the peaceful culture that Tanzania has earned over the years.
Zanzibar, 31 October 2005
