Low turnout in Zanzibar vote re-run as opposition boycotts

ZANZIBAR, Tanzania (AP) - A low turn-out Sunday characterized a re-run of elections in Zanzibar, the semi-autonomous archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, as the main opposition party boycotted the poll.

Zanzibar's main opposition party, the Civic United Front, and its ally, CHADEMA, are not participating in the re-run claiming it is against the electoral laws and constitution of Zanzibar. The electoral commission annulled results of elections in October that the Civic United Front believes it won.

Nassor Mazrui, the Civic United Front's secretary general, says the party will not participate in Sunday's election because its members believe the nullified results were legitimate. President Ali Mohamed Shein of the Revolution Party or Chama Cha Mapinduzi is seeking re-election.

The ruling party, CCM, is participating in the re-run because it will enhance democracy in Zanzibar, CCM spokeswoman in Zanzibar, Waide Bakari Jabu, told the Associated Press.

"You know in democracy, you can't boycott. Be on the running track so you will win or lose, but don't stay away from the course of democracy," said Waride.

Shein, the ruling party candidate, vied in the October polls against his rival, Seif Sharrif Hamad of the Civic United Front. Hamad claimed victory before the official results were announced. Hamad has contested for the presidency since the first multi-party elections in 1995.

The Civic United Front has tried for years to win control of Zanzibar's local government from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (Revolutionary Party), narrowly losing the last election in 2010.

Counting started after the close of polls at 4 p.m. and results are expected in three days.

Zanzibar is semi-autonomous from Tanzania and elects its local government, including a president, but many on the islands complain that the mainland government dictates policies, especially on economic issues.