Tanzania: first female veep sworn in with Magufuli

Outgoing president Jakaya Kikwete welcomed Magufuli into office and declared that he was happy to step down after his 10 year term.

Tanzania’s first female Vice President Samia Hassan Suluhu on 5 November 2015 was sworn into office.

The election has been the most hotly contested race in the more than half a century of rule by the Chama Cha Mapinduzi Party, which fielded Magufuli, 56, a minister for public works.

He has refused to accept the election results, alleging the electronic system used to tally the votes had been manipulated.

Magufuli coined the slogan for his presidential election campaign to indicate that he is a man who means business in order to bring about change in the people’s life and development in general.

In his oath, Dr. Magufuli said he will execute his duties diligently, without discrimination whatsoever, and in accordance with the Laws of and traditions of Tanzania. Tanzania is a larger entity than any individual’s desire.

Indeed, one of the most significant policy decisions that President Magufuli will have to grapple with involves Tanzania’s role as a member of the EAC, and how it can play a role in fast tracking the dream of a political federation.

He commended the security sector for maintaining peace during the election period, expressing optimism that the political crisis in Zanzibar would be resolved amicably.

Zanzibar’s election chief Jecha Salim Jecha said the polls for the archipelago’s parliament and president had been marred by gross irregularities, including rigging and physical fights between rival election commissioners.

Mr Hamad has been vice president in the Isles in a power sharing agreement with incumbent president, Mr Ali Mohamed Shein of the CCM.

“I also hope our brother and sisters in Zanzibar will – sooner rather than later – settle their differences amicably”. “We need to put God first as we set on this new era and work together”. Among them were South African President Jacob Zuma, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe.