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Tanzania election: CCM faces strong challenge from Ukawa Tanzania election: CCM faces strong challenge from Ukawa
(about 1 hour later)
Tanzania is holding its most tightly contested general elections, as a new opposition coalition tries to end the governing party's 54-year grip on power.Tanzania is holding its most tightly contested general elections, as a new opposition coalition tries to end the governing party's 54-year grip on power.
There has been a high turnout at voting stations, reports say.There has been a high turnout at voting stations, reports say.
Opinion polls have put the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party ahead, but the result is expected to be close. Opinion polls have put the governing Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party ahead, but the result is expected to be close.
Four opposition groups are backing one candidate, a former prime minister, in the presidential race.Four opposition groups are backing one candidate, a former prime minister, in the presidential race.
Some of the major issues for the almost 23m registered voters include access to clean water, improved health care and better education, the BBC's Sammy Awami reports from the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. The BBC's Tulanana Bohela reports from the main city Dar es Salaam that usually busy streets and markets are deserted, and large queues have formed at polling stations as people wait patiently to cast their ballots.
President Jakaya Kikwete, who is standing down after two terms, has called for peace ahead of the election, adding that "anyone who tries to cause trouble will be dealt with".President Jakaya Kikwete, who is standing down after two terms, has called for peace ahead of the election, adding that "anyone who tries to cause trouble will be dealt with".
The CCM was formed in 1977 from a merger of two post-colonial parties and has effectively been in power since independence in 1961. CCM was formed in 1977 from a merger of two post-colonial parties and has effectively been in power since independence in 1961.
It has fielded Works Minister John Magufuli, 55, as its presidential candidate.
He is being challenged by Edward Lowassa, 62, who quit CCM after he failed to win its presidential nomination.
He is contesting the poll under the banner of the Ukwasa coalition.
The main presidential candidates:The main presidential candidates:
John Magufuli - Chama Cha Mapinduzi party John Magufuli - Chama Cha Mapinduzi
Tanzania's works minister, Mr Magufuli, 55, has promised change and to improve on the pace of progress laid down by the previous CCM government. Edward Lowassa - Ukawa
He has promised to end the country's power shortages and exploit Tanzania's natural gas discoveries. Tanzania's key facts, figures and dates
"My government will put emphasis on fighting corruption, job creation and industrialisation," he said on Saturday.
He is nicknamed The Bulldozer for driving a programme to build roads across the country.
Edward Lowassa - Ukawa coalition
Mr Lowassa, 62, decided to leave the CCM when it did not pick him as its presidential candidate earlier this year. Four opposition parties rallied behind Mr Lowassa as a coalition candidate.
"We must stop being a nation of beggars," he told a rally on Saturday. "It is a shame for Tanzania to still be poor after 54 years of independence."
He has already served as prime minister, but had to resign over a corruption scandal in the energy sector. He continues to deny involvement in the scandal.
Election guide
Nail-biting election
Key facts, figures and dates