Tanzanians vote peacefully!

Tanzanians from all walks of life are today exercising their constitutional rights by turning up in huge numbers at polling stations throughout the country to cast their votes.

Despite the tensions, hullabaloo and all the expectations that gripped the campaign period, voting is going on peacefully. Up to now, no major incident has been reported, with eager voters turning out in large numbers as early as 4am to elect leaders of their choice.

Most of the polling stations opened at 7am as planned and according to many voters interviewed by this paper, the exercise was simple, efficient and taking a short time to finish.

According to the National Electoral Commission (NEC), the vote will see 23,253,982 eligible voters getting the chance to cast their ballots, of which 503,193 are in Zanzibar. This is the fifth general election to be held under multi-party political system since it was introduced in 1992.

Eight aspirants are vying to succeed President Jakaya Kikwete, who leaves office after serving two five-year terms as provided for in the constitution. Voters are also electing MPs in 265 constituencies throughout the country, as well as hundreds of councillors.

We will be bringing you more updates as and when available . . .

/Daily News.