Magufuli declared President of Tanzania

Tanzania’s ruling party candidate, John Magufuli, has been declared the winner of  hotly contested the presidential election.

The National Electoral Commission announced his victory 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.