Magufuli sworn in as president of Tanzania

TANZANIA’S new President, John Magufuli, was sworn into office yesterday along with the East African nation’s first female vice-president to huge cheers from crowds.

Magufuli’s win in the October 25 poll with over 58 per cent of votes cemented the long-running Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s firm grip on power.

“I promise to work to the best of my ability to deliver our election pledges,” Magufuli said after taking the oath of office.

“We are aware of the trust and enormous responsibility that you have assigned us … but with God’s guidance, people’s cooperation and goodwill our nation can prosper.”

Vice-President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who comes from Zanzibar, was also sworn in at a stadium in the economic capital, Dar es Salaam, promising to “always strive to give proper and honest advice” to the president.

Elections were largely peaceful, but the opposition said the vote was rigged and also claimed victory, while semi-autonomous Zanzibar – which also voted for its own president – annulled polls over irregularities.

“We are all the winners because the polls ended peacefully…we must now stand together in the broader interest of our nation,” Magufuli added.

“I also hope our brother and sisters in Zanzibar will – sooner rather than later – settle their differences amicably.”