News Release

Commonwealth Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma, today welcomed the positive outcome of the referendum held in Zanzibar on 31 July 2010, which approved the formation of a government of national unity in the country.

Mr Sharma said: “This is a triumph for home-grown solutions which I hope will usher in a new dawn of greater unity among political parties in Zanzibar.”

The Secretary-General congratulated political leaders and the people of Zanzibar for their display of political will and their commitment to the referendum process.

“This landmark development bodes well for the upcoming elections in Tanzania on 31 October 2010,” Mr Sharma added.

The Secretary-General said the Commonwealth stands ready to continue to support Zanzibar in promoting political inclusiveness and building a durable peace and prosperity for the benefit of the people of the Islands.