Below is an extract from an article published on the IPP Media’s website.

Registrar of Political Parties John Tendwa has said he will never leave President Jakaya Kikwete to be the sole seeker of solutions to Zanzibar’s longstanding political problems. Speaking to journalists on the 31.08.2006, Tendwa said that he had decided to reinstate the Joint Commission formed after the CCM/CUF Accord in 2001 as the starting point for negotiations to end the Zanzibar question.


Tendwa was speaking at a press conference in Zanzibar after holding talks with representatives of 18 political parties.

He said the Joint Commission on CCM-CUF Accord was an important instrument for enhancing democracy and upholding peace and unity in the country.

”I’m the bridge between the government and political parties in our political system. It is therefore my responsibility to work with all political parties in finding a lasting solution to Zanzibar’s political problems,” he added.

He said although the political climate in Zanzibar is calm, there were still divisive problems resulting from administrative issues with roots in the last general election.

He said due to political problems arising from elections, there was an urgent need to amend the Elections Act so political parties are legally bound to the Code of Ethics.