Election Time

Sunday was the election in Zanzibar. The two parties, the Citizens United Front (CUF) and CCM have been in conflict for years. CCM is the ruling party, though apparently CUF is the party of the majority of people. There has been much violence during elections in the past. Shooting in the streets, violence by police, and general disorder. With plans for a coalition government, we hope that this election will be more peaceful. Yet no one can be sure.

We returned to Stone Town from Tanzania on a ferry yesterday afternoon. The streets were quiet, and armed military soldiers stood on every corner. From our bus we saw big trucks full of soldiers speeding by, and we were warned to stay inside. Our teachers literally brought us our food and told us to be careful on the street. Flags hung over every street, the CCM green and gold, and the CUF red, white, and blue indicated which areas supported which political party. Busses and trucks drove by with blasting music, and men waving and shouting.

Late last night, we were still awaiting results, and heard fighting and yelling outside. We were told that many people were upset, hoping to change the results. I visited my homestay family to find out more. Rumor has it that the CUF actually got more votes, but the powerful CCM ignored the votes and declared themselves winners.

CCM rally in Dar Es Salaam

We were worried about violence in the aftermath of the results, but today a parade of people walked by wearing both political colors. People were celebrating the peaceful election that took place, so relieved that there was nothing to fear, and that the people of Zanzibar were beginning to have a voice in the government.

Life is good and the peaceful city is back to normal.