Tanzania: John Magufuli wins presidential election

John Magufuli, of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party becomes the new president of Tanzania having won last weeks presidential election with 58 percent of the votes cast. His opponent Edward Lowassa of the Chadema party and who was also backed by three other parties, got 40 percent of votes, according to Damian Lubuva, the head of the election commission.

Magufuli had previously served as the country’s public works minister in the administration of the outgoing president, Jakaya Kikwete, while Lowassa, who served as prime minister from 2005 to 2008.

Both candidates drew crowds during campaigns across the country and it was the country’s closest election.

The semi-autonomous island archipelago of Zanzibar also voted for its own president and other local leaders, however, the results were nullified over allegations of voting irregularities.

The opposition Civic United Front had claimed victory in Zanzibar’s presidential election.

Regional observers said in a joint statement late last week, they were concerned by the decision to annul the Zanzibar results after what they said was a credible election.
“Democracy, peace and unity in Zanzibar is at stake,” the statement said.

Tanzania was formed when Zanzibar and Pemba island united with mainland Tanganyika in April 1964, three months after the islands’ black majority overthrew the traditional Arab rulers. For years, many have felt that Zanzibar, and its ancient capital, Stone Town, have been relegated to second-class status.

Source: Associated Press