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Tanzanian Parliament endorses new Prime Minister

Xinhua, November 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

Tanzanian Parliament on Thursday endorsed Majaliwa Kassim Majaliwa as the east African nation's new Prime Minister after he was nominated by President John Magufuli who took power on Nov. 5, succeeding President Jakaya Kikwete after serving two five-year terms.

President Magufuli nominated the 55-year-old Majaliwa to the premiership ending weeks of speculations on who would be the country's Prime Minister. Following the endorsement of the new Prime Minister, the President will announce his new cabinet next week.

Members of Parliament meeting in the country's political capital Dodoma endorsed Majaliwa with 258 votes or 73.5 percent out of the 351 votes cast. Two votes were spoilt and 91 votes or 25.9 percent were against his nomination,

Majaliwa, a Member of Parliament for Ruangwa constituency on the ticket of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), was Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office under the administration of former President Kikwete.

Speaking shortly after he was approved by Parliament, Majaliwa said he did not expect to be appointed to the post but he said he had received it with both his two hands and that he was ready to serve the nation.

"I did not expect this thing to happen to me but what can I say now is that I have received it with both my hands and I am ready to serve the nation," said Majaliwa.

He expressed his gratitude to President Magufuli for appointing him to be his Prime Minister saying he has shown great trust in him.

"I would like to thank President Magufuli for choosing me from many among us. This means he trusts me and he believes in me. I promise to work hard for the good of the nation," said Majaliwa who succeeds former Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda.

Majaliwa who will be sworn-in on Friday by President Magufuli promised to work hard and cooperate with all MPs in the House regardless of their political parties' affiliations.

Majaliwa was born on Dec. 22, 1960. He joined the University of Dar es Salaam from 1994 to 1998 before pursuing post graduate studies at Stockholm University in Sweden in 1999. Endit