John Magufuli sworn in as new president of Tanzania

John Pombe Magufuli was sworn in Thursday as the Tanzania’s fifth president.

Chief Justice Mohammed Othman Chande also swore in Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the first female vice president in Tanzania.

Magufuli, whose Chama Cha Mapinduzi party (CCM), faced tough competition for the first time at the ballot box from a united opposition, called for unity in the country in his acceptance speech.

“I believe if we all work together to we will build a better Tanzania for everyone,” Magufuli said.

Magufuli, a former teacher, has been serving as public works minister in the administration of the outgoing president, Jakaya Kikwete. His opponent, Edward Lowassa, who served as prime minister from 2005 to 2008, used to belong to the ruling party but defected after failing to become its presidential candidate.

The semi-autonomous island archipelago of Zanzibar also voted for its own president and other local leaders, but the results were nullified over allegations of voting irregularities. The opposition Civic United Front had claimed victory in Zanzibar’s presidential election.

Source: Associated Press