Press Statement Sean McCormack, Spokesman Washington, DC November 3, 2005
Results of Zanzibar ElectionsThe United States deplores the political violence in Zanzibar in the wake of the October 30 elections. We deeply regret the tragic loss of life. We call on all parties to show restraint. The Tanzanian government should establish an independent inquiry to investigate voting irregularities and discrepancies reported by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and U.S. Embassy observers.
We also call on the Tanzanian government to release all political detainees, particularly the many opposition supporters arrested in recent days, and to withdraw the extensive security forces surrounding the opposition Civic United Front (CUF) headquarters in Stone Town. This massive police presence is hindering the exercise of basic civil rights, such as freedom of speech and assembly.
The opposition must refrain from inciting civil disobedience during this time of heightened tension. The best way forward for Tanzania is through peaceful participation of all political groups, including elected members of the opposition.
2005/1016
Released on November 3, 2005
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