Ruling party candidate John Magufuli, declared presidential vote winner

October 29, 2015 1:15 PM

National Electoral Commission Chairman Damian Lubuva told a news conference that Magufuli, a minister for public works, secured 58 percent of the votes, beating his main opposition rival, former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa who had 40 percent.

Tanzania's presidential candidate of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party John Pombe Magufuli displays his ballot paper before casting his vote during the presidential and parliamentary election at his hometown Chato district, in Geita region, October 25, 2015. REUTERS/Stringer

Tanzania's ruling party candidate, John Magufuli, won the presidential election, the National Electoral Commission announced on Thursday, after the opposition challenged the tallying process and demanded a recount.

National Electoral Commission Chairman Damian Lubuva told a news conference that Magufuli, a minister for public works, secured 58 percent of the votes, beating his main opposition rival, former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa who had 40 percent.

Damian Lubuva, earlier dismissed allegations of any voting abuses. "There is no favouritism whatsoever," he said. "The results that we are announcing reflect the will of the people."