Campaigning for presidential elections in Tanzania began on Sunday, with the race seen as the tightest in the east African nation's history. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party launched its campaign for the October 25 polls with a massive rally in the economic capital of Dar es Salaam, with its candidate promising to put an end to rampant corruption.
"I know that you need an end to corruption, embezzlement, theft and abuse of office. I profoundly promise you all that will soon be history," the CCM's candidate, former works minister John Magufuli, told party supporters.
"Upon my election I am going to spearhead the formation of a special court to deal with the corrupt, economic saboteurs and embezzlers," he vowed, pledging an "end to injustice and the harassing of innocent civilians".
The ruling CCM party has dominated politics since modern Tanzania was formed in 1964, and currently has two-thirds of seats in parliament.
Magufuli, 55, is hoping to succeed President Jakaya Kikwete, who was also at the rally and backed the ruling party candidate as "a clean, honest and humble person." "When he went around seeking the nomination he was not throwing money around," Kikwete said, promising the country that it would be in "safe hands".
Kikwete cannot stand again after serving the two term limit.
The country's four main opposition parties have chosen ex-prime minister Edward Lowassa, who defected last month from the CCM, as their joint presidential candidate.