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Violence, claims of fraud as Zanzibaris vote
AP
Monday, October 31, 2005

ZANZIBAR, Tanzania - A man prays in hospital after he and the man on the stretcher were beaten yesterday by ruling party militias in Zanzibar. Tensions were high on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar as voters chose between the socialists who have ruled the semi-autonomous state for more than 30 years and an Opposition group promising wholesale change. (Photo: AP)

ZANZIBAR, Tanzania (AP) - Police and ruling party militia fired tear gas and chased Opposition supporters through the streets of Zanzibar's main town yesterday as voters chose between the socialists who have ruled the semi-autonomous state for more than 30 years and an Opposition group promising wholesale change.

The violence followed attempts by police and ruling party officials to truck in hundreds of people to vote in polling stations against the obajections of residents. Riot police fired live ammunition and tear gas to chase away neighbourhood men.

The disputed voters were listed on the voter register, which has been a point of contention since the elections were scheduled. When asked where they were coming from, the disputed voters covered their faces and refused to answer.
Similar scenes took place at polling stations across the Indian Ocean archipelago, which is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. When the protests continued, police used high-pressure nozzles mounted on heavy trucks to spray water laced with tear gas.

The water cannons, sprayed indiscriminately, hit some international journalists attempting to observe the violence.

Polls closed with most stations indicating at least 80 per cent turnout. Results were expected later in the week.
Associated Press reporters visited over a dozen polling stations, and Opposition party agents complained about administrative problems in addition to the contested voter register. Ruling party agents did not report any problems.
Journalists also observed uniformed members of the ruling party's Green Guard severely beat at least one man suspected of being an Opposition supporter.

Regional Police Chief George Kiziguto refused to answer questions. No other officials were available for comment.
Many Zanzibaris view yesterday's ballot as Western-style democracy's last chance. Two previous elections, in 1995 and 2000, were seen as deeply flawed by violence and fraud.


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