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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Zanzibar: Political Impasse and Commonwealth Mediation
Author:Anglin, Douglas G.ISNI
Year:2000
Periodical:Journal of Contemporary African Studies
Volume:18
Issue:1
Period:January
Pages:39-66
Language:English
Geographic term:Zanzibar
Subjects:political stability
elections
1995
Politics and Government
international relations
External links:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/025890000111968
http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=MY8GFJXEU0CRNHEY2PXN
Abstract:The recent (1998-1999) political crisis in the Spice Islands, or Zanzibar, was triggered by the controversial outcome of the Isles' first multiparty elections for president (and House of Representatives) on October 22, 1995. This study explores two related issues: why the Tanzanian Union government failed to face up to the consequences of the political impasse in the Isles, and why promising Commonwealth initiatives which appeared on the point of success repeatedly foundered. Part of the explanation for the continuation of the conflict long after the 1995 elections may be found in the intransigence of the two contending parties (Chama cha Mapinduzi, CCM, and the Civic United Front, CUF), the personalities of their leaders, the obvious injustice of the electoral outcome, and the deteriorating human rights situation. Of greater significance were underlying concerns of ideology and identity arising out of the troubled history of the Isles. Zanzibar lacked an ingrained culture of negotiation to cope with its ethnic and ideological conflicts peacefully. Moreover, Zanzibari society was only slowly liberating itself from the legacy of decades of one-party rule. Whether Zanzibar can succeed in consolidating its stalled democracy will depend on its ability to conduct free and fair elections in October 2000. Bibliogr., notes, ref.
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