Tanzanian presidential polls go peacefully as voters turns up in large number

Tens of hundreds of Tanzanians on Sunday went to polls to elect their president, members of parliament and councilors in the East African nation's most competitive elections since independence in 1961.

The ruling party - Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) - which has been in power for more than 50 years was facing fierce competition from a coalition of four opposition parties led by Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA).

CCM presidential candidate John Magufuli, the minister for works under the administration of President Jakaya Kikwete who is ending his two five-year terms, competed with the presidential hopeful for CHADEMA, former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa.

CHADEMA is campaigning on a coalition of three other opposition parties of Civic United Front (CUF), National League for Democracy and NCCR-Mageuzi.

Lowassa defected from the ruling CCM in July after the party dismissed him from running for the presidency and opted to nominate Magufuli.

Over 22 million voters turned up in high numbers at polling stations across the country, the second largest economy after Kenya in the east African region.

CCM campaign committee spokesman, January Makamba, told a news conference in Dar es Salaam that there were shortcomings spotted in some polling stations which were mainly administrative.

"These shortcomings like delay in opening polling stations and lack of ballot materials were not beneficial to any party," said Makamba.

The European Union (EU) chief election observer Judith Sargentini said there have been peaceful and orderly elections at all 400 polling stations that the EU mission had visited.

"Generally the voting exercise is going on well, voters are following procedures and directives from the authorities," she said. Endit