The Government has used this provision to detain some opposition figures. The government has refused to legalize the DP because it has failed to present the requisite number of party members from Zanzibar as required by law. Police have authority to deny permission to political parties to hold rallies on the grounds of public safety and security if the organization or political party is unregistered. In September 1996 a march organized by an opposition party canceled its rally due to government intimidation. Opposition parties on Zanzibar are unable to hold rallies.
Police continue to break up meetings held by persons opposed to the Zanzibar government.
Elections held 6 times during 1997 on the mainland were marred by violence. In late 1996, after government party losses in the by-election, new directives were issued limiting political activity and fund raising on the grounds of maintaining order. There are no restrictions on the participation of women in politics and government, but in practice few women are politically active. The ruling CCM party maintains local cells of unpaid party officials who have the authority to resolve grassroots problems and to report suspicious behavior and noncompliance with compulsory night patrols. Since 1993, the role of the cells has decreased.