Commonwealth Observer Group in last month’s
Tanzania general elections, the 53-nation body of
former British colonies has given former
President Goodluck Jonathan a fresh mandate to
lead the charge for the resolution of the political
stalemate in the semi-independent island of Zanzibar.
After the October 25 general elections which
produced John Magufuli as the new President of
Tanzania, the Jonathan-led COG and other
international observers had endorsed the polling
processes as credible.
However, tension rules on the island of Zanzibar,
following the nullification of the presidential
election results by the local electoral body, over
claims of irregularities. International observers
have continued to dispute this decision, on the
grounds that both the voting and counting processes
were held in an atmosphere of peace.
The Commonwealth which has a history of mediating
on the island has kick-started the international
efforts towards resolving the current crisis, by
appointing Jonathan as its Special representative,
in what analysts see as an affirmation of the former
President’s towering status as the moral face of
democracy and transparent polling in Africa. This
development was conveyed to Jonathan last week in
a letter sent to him by the Commonwealth Secretary
General, MrKamalesh Sharma.
In the letter which Sharma personally signed, the
Secretary-General had wrote: “As you are aware,
the Zanzibar electoral situation remains unsolved,
although recent reports indicating willingness by
the main political parties to engage in talking is
encouraging. In view of the Commonwealth’s historical
role as the moral generator of the Muafaka Accords,
it is important that we remain engaged to continue
to encourage all concerned to resolve the situation in
a peaceful and sustainable manner.
“I am therefore delighted and honoured that you
have kindly agreed to be my Special Representative
over the coming weeks, in order to remain in contact
with key political leaders and to encourage them
towards an expeditious resolution of the impasse.
I am certain that your personal close interest can
play a crucial role in building the necessary political
bridges.”
Secretary-General had wrote: “As you are aware,
the Zanzibar electoral situation remains unsolved,
although recent reports indicating willingness by
the main political parties to engage in talking is
encouraging. In view of the Commonwealth’s historical
role as the moral generator of the Muafaka Accords,
it is important that we remain engaged to continue
to encourage all concerned to resolve the situation in
a peaceful and sustainable manner.
“I am therefore delighted and honoured that you
have kindly agreed to be my Special Representative
over the coming weeks, in order to remain in contact
with key political leaders and to encourage them
towards an expeditious resolution of the impasse.
I am certain that your personal close interest can
play a crucial role in building the necessary political
bridges.”
He further commended Jonathan for his successful
leadership of the COG, saying that he brought his
rare experience to bear on the challenging mission.
Sharma said further: “I am writing to thank you
once again for rendering the Commonwealth such
distinguished service through your generous
personal commitment of time and your Leadership
of the Commonwealth Observer Group to last week’s
elections in the United Republic of Tanzania.
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