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Tanzania's presidential hopeful says ready to serve people

Xinhua, July 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

Tanzania's ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM)'s newly elected presidential hopeful John Magufuli on Sunday promised to be a servant of the people.

Magufuli, who was the east African nation's Minister for Works, said: "Today is a historic day for CCM and for me as an individual. On Saturday when I asked for your vote, I said I wanted you to send me out to work."

He added: "I pledge now that I will be your servant. I will work with all my dedication and ability as blessed by God."

The 56-year-old former chemistry teacher was overwhelmingly elected by the party's national congress in the political capital Dodoma to vie for the presidency in the October 25 general election.

He scooped 2,104 votes (87.1 percent) against 253 votes (10.5 percent) for Amina Salum Ali and 59 votes (2.4 percent) for Asha- Rose Migiro who were female candidates.

If elected to the presidency, Magufuli, described as a nonsense man, will succeed incumbent President Jakaya Kikwete.

Magufuli picked Samia Suluhu Hassan, the Minister of State in the Vice-President's Office responsible for the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, to be his presidential running mate.

"I am delighted to receive the flag from a dedicated party servant and promise that I will not let him down and will strive to work with all CCM members and tap from the wisdom of our retired national leaders as well," Magufuli told delegates at the 3,000-seater Chinese built convention centre in reference to President Kikwete.

He received a standing ovation when he finished giving his remarks and a brotherly hug from President Kikwete.

His victory appeared to galvanize the party that went through a bruising contest by some 38 aspirants for the ticket to run for the presidency, pitying some of the party heavyweights who spared nothing to outdo each other.

Addressing a public rally later in the day, Magufuli and his running mate vowed to fight corruption, embezzlement and other forms of impunity, should he clinch victory in the forthcoming general election.

"My government will fight corruption and corrupt officials politely, without sparing lazy officials who are derailing our development," he said amid cheers from members of the public.

Magufuli added that Tanzanians were eagerly waiting for quick development, insisting that his administration would ensure that all social services were available for all Tanzanians regardless of their backgrounds. Endi