Security has been further tightened in government buildings and other key institutions in Zanzibar as the archipelago continues to brace for a tensely-awaited presidential election rerun on Sunday.
Authorities here also announced yesterday that there will be no
ferry boat services between Zanzibar and the Mainland on the polling
day.
According to a spot check by The Guardian in different parts of
Zanzibar town, armed security force members are now a common feature
around several key institutions including the Revolution Tower in
Kisonge area, the government-owned radio and television station, the
port area, and commercial banks.
The main road leading to the Zanzibar State House was also closed
yesterday, while armed policemen in vehicles could be seen patrolling
the municipality’s streets. Some town residents interviewed said they
considered it a normal situation especially during election times.
According to one resident identified as Mzee Omar, people can no longer
move freely in these places without proper reason and identification as
security personnel are usually in no mood to take any chances.
Omar said he found it to be an inconvenience especially for those
in need of authentic service in areas of high security maintenance. But
he also said he felt it was necessary in the circumstances.
“I think it is very important to intensify security during
elections. They should not concentrate on government buildings alone,
but also people’s houses where violent incidents can also occur because
of real criminals,” he stated.
Another local, Aisha Juma, said the sight of heavily armed security
forces at the Zanzibar port on arrival from Dar es Salaam by ferry had
really scared her, especially since they were not there when she left
for Dar es Salaam only last week.
Each passenger getting off the boat was inspected thoroughly, she
noted. Bakari Othman Juma, a local bus driver, said they have been
ordered not to drop passengers off at bus stations being guarded by
armed forces.
Many buses have even opted to change routes to avoid getting into trouble with the security forces, Juma added.
Meanwhile, the Zanzibar Marine Authority (ZMA) said yesterday it
would be suspending all ferry boat services between Zanzibar and Dar es
Salaam on Sunday to pave the way for the re-run election. ZMA director
Abdi Omar Maalim told The Guardian here that the move is aimed at
allowing more people to participate in electing their leaders.
“No boat will be permitted to ply between Unguja, Pemba and Dar es
Salaam, or from any destination between the islands and the Mainland.
All would-be travelers should be alerted about this change to avoid any
inconveniences that might arise,” Maalim said, advising people who might
want to travel before Sunday to book early.
He said the ferry boat services will resume on Monday.
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