Ruling CCM headed for victory in Tanzania polls

John Magufuli of the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party has opened a wide lead over his rival, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo's (Chadema) Edward Lowassa in the country's presidential elections.

Judith Sargentini, the head of the European Union Electoral Observer Mission addresses the Press on the Tanzanian General Election at Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam. She said there was inadequate transparency from the election administration. (PHOTO: PIUS CHERUIYOT/ STANDARD)

With just over 100 constituencies announced so far out of 265, Mr Magufuli was leading with slightly over two million votes, while Mr Lowassa had less than 1.5 million votes. Despite Magufuli's comfortable lead, the election has been touted as the closest in the country's 51-year history.