Tanzania's Kikwete wins second term

Tanzania's Kikwete wins second term

Tanzanian National Electoral Commission has declared President Jakaya Kikwete the winner Of the October 31 Presidential Election with 61 percent of the vote.

The election commission has been criticised by opposition parties, which accused it of fiddling both the presidential and parliamentary results in favour of Kikwete and his party.

Local and foreign observers also voiced concerns about the transparency of the counting process.

The victory gives the 60 -year old incumbent Kikwete, a second and final term at the helm of east Africa's second largest economy.

His closest rival, Willibrod Slaa of the Chadema party, who campaigned on an anti-corruption platform, earlier this week called for a recount, but this was rejected by the electoral commission. Slaa polled 26 percent of the total ballots cast.

Reforms expected

With Kikwete compelled to step down after his next term in office, some regional experts said he will no longer have to accommodate the different factions within his CCM party to maintain support for re-election.

An official of the London-based Economist Intelligence Unit, Joseph Lake told newsmen that the re-election was likely to result in more decisive action on corruption, with convictions of high profile politicians and civil servants.

"It may also result in the adoption of more dynamic policies, and he may try to push through more contentious reforms to help the business environment,” Lake said.

Reactions to result

Earlier, Ibrahim Lipumba, candidate for the opposition Civic United Front, said the results did not reflect the will of the people.

"There were major shortcomings in the election process. I hope Kikwete will realise he needs to have political dialogue with other parties on how to improve the system," Lipumba told newsmen.

The electoral authorities said earlier this week there may have been some errors in the tally but these would not influence the final result.

Under Tanzania's constitution, the presidential vote result cannot be legally challenged.

REUTERS/Williams