The results of the presidential election in Tanzania have been announced.

Daily News is reporting the Electoral Commission saying that turnout was 42.9 per cent.

Jakaya Kikwete – Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) 61.1%
Willibrod Slaa – Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CDM) 26.3%
Ibrahim Lipumba – Civic United Front (CUF) 8.1%
No other candidate won more than 2%.

So, unsurprisingly, President Kikwete has been re-elected for a second term. However, the election does mark somewhat of a change. In 2005, Kikwete won 80.3% of the vote and the CDM candidate won only 5.9%. So, there has been a shift in voting patterns.

In the parliamentary election, which was held simultaneously, the opposition also seems to have done quite well. There is a report that the ruling CCM lost 51 seats. However, official figures are not yet available. A post will follow.

There is background on the election available here.