Continue with electoral process, US tells ZEC

Dar es Salaam. The United States government has opposed the Zanzibar Electoral Commission's (ZEC) decision  to nullify the general elections advising the body to continue with the current process.

According to a statement released to the media by the US embassy in Dar es Salaam the  US was alarmed by the recent statement by ZEC chairman, Jecha Salum Jecha.

The US statement opined that the action halted an orderly and peaceful election, as evaluated by observer missions from the U.S. Embassy, European Union, Commonwealth, and Southern Africa Development Community.

According to the statement the announcement came at a time when the tabulation process was nearing completion. 

“We call for this announcement to be recalled, and urge all parties to maintain a commitment to a transparent and peaceful democratic process.  The people of Zanzibar deserve that,” read part of the statement.

 Earlier on before the election was nullified the US embassy urged ZEC to make sure the process is concluded in a timely and transparent manner.

The US also urged Zanzibar authorities to respect the role of official observers by allowing them full and free access to all elements of the election process.