Written question asked by Lord Jones of Cheltenham (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 7 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Monday, 13 November 2000 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the (a) first and (b) second elections in Zanzibar. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Nigel Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the (a) first and (b) second elections in Zanzibar. [137940] Mr. Hain: We have been following the situation in Zanzibar with concern. Commonwealth and other international observers were unanimous in their condemnation of the organisation of the elections on 29 October. We, with EU colleagues, criticised the decision to rerun the elections in only 16 constituencies and under the supervision of the current electoral commission in a statement issued on 3 November. We will continue to press the Tanzanian authorities to find a solution to the political crisis that respects the democratic and human rights of all Zanzibaris.

Secondary information