Tanzanian electorates likely to re-elect President Kikwete

The east African country of Tanzania held an orderly and peaceful presidential election. The popular President Jakaya Kikwete is positioned to win the re-election according to opinion poll conducted by University of Dar es Salaam before the election earlier in October.

According to the poll Presidential candidate Kikwete of Chama cha Mapinduzi party enjoyed an ebullient support of about 71.2 percent of the votes. This put President Kikwete ahead of the other five candidates including the strongest rival Wilbrod Slaa of the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo party.

Tanzanian economy is growing progressively in which the “domestic product was $21.6 billion with a gross national income per capita of $500 in 2009 for a population of 43.7 million, according to World Bank data. That compares with an average of $1,096 for sub-Saharan Africa. The total size of the economy is second only to Kenya in the East African region.”

The 60 year economist by training President  Kikwete “increased spending on roads and energy projects, using higher tax revenue and donor funding, while keeping government borrowing in check. Kikwete has pledged to maintain fiscal policies that are expected to drive the economic growth rate to 6.5 percent this year and 6.7 percent in 2011, the IMF said on Oct. 6. That compares with average growth rates of 5 percent and 5.5 percent expected in the rest of sub-Saharan Africa in the same periods.”

President Kikwete’s transparency did not help in his fight against corruption. Tanzania was rated low in the index of the world’s most corrupt countries from previously 93rd t0 116th position by Transparency International.