We, the undersigned Heads of Mission, would like to underline that the right to vote is a fundamental democratic principle. It is the responsibility of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to ensure that all Tanzanians will have the possibility to exercise this right in the 2010 elections.
The Heads of Mission are seriously concerned about what appear to be flawed elements in the voter registration process in Zanzibar. Specifically, we are concerned about reports that many Tanzanian citizens on Pemba are facing obstacles to obtain a Zanzibar ID, which has become the principal criterion for voter registration on Zanzibar, and that the issuance of Zanzibar IDs is subject to irregular influence.
The Heads of Mission expect the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to rectify the current shortcomings of the voter registration process. The totality of the changes should ensure that no Tanzanians, including Zanzibaris, will be denied the right to vote in the 2010 elections.
Simultaneously, the Heads of Mission strongly encourage all political parties and groups to refrain from any violence and use peaceful means to express their opinions and differences.
This statement is made by all EU Heads of Mission in Tanzania: Belgium, Denmark, European Commission Delegation, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden as EU Presidency and the United Kingdom.
The statement is made jointly with the Heads of Mission in Tanzania of Canada, Japan, Norway and the United States of America.