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 You are in: Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs > Bureau of Public Affairs > Bureau of Public Affairs: Press Relations Office > Press Releases (Other) > 2005 > November 
Press Statement
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
November 3, 2005


Results of Zanzibar Elections

The 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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