Polling closes in Tanzania as tallying begins

Voting in most polling stations in Tanzania closed within the scheduled time of 4PM.

By the time of publishing, most polling stations had closed and were serving the last few voters who were still in queues.

According to voters, the polling process was peaceful, contrary to reports that some members of the public were planning to cause commotion and distract the process.

Urban areas registered higher voter turnouts compared to rural and remote areas.

The leading contenders in the presidential poll, Dr. John Pombe Magufuli of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and Edward Ngoyai Lowassa of Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), voted at 11AM in Chato, Geita and 12noon in Monduli, Arusha respectively.

Outgoing President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete cast his ballot at the Msoga Hospital Polling Centre at half past midday and proceeded to his rural home before going back to Dar Es Salaam.

A total of 22.7 million voters were registered in this year’s election, with 57 per cent of them being the youth.

The presidential election attracted eight contenders who are all hoping to take over from Kikwete as the fifth President of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The successful candidate will serve for a five-year term but is eligible for reelection.

President Kikwete retires after serving the maximum, two five-year terms.

He was first elected in 2005 and successfully sought re-election in 2010.

The National Electoral Commission (NEC) has called on the contestants to accept the results, saying they will reflect the will and voice of the people.

NEC has consistently promised that the election shall be free and fair.

Results are expected to start streaming in at 6PM and winner of the presidential poll announce within the next 72 hours.