By Spy Uganda
Dodoma: Tanzania’s populist President John Magufuli has taken oath for a second five-year term in office amidst tight security after the opposition called for a fresh election, the disbandment of the electoral commission and an “endless peaceful demonstration” over the irregularities that marred the Oct. 28 vote.
Magufuli over the weekend said he will not pursue another term amid some concerns that the ruling party, which won nearly all parliamentary seats, might try to extend the presidency’s two-term limit.
Police and the army tightened security ahead of the swearing-in, and the leaders of Tanzania’s two main opposition parties, ACT Wazalendo and CHADEMA, were charged with organizing unlawful assembly and demonstration.
This event was witnessed by a number of other African leaders including, Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Uganda’s Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Burundi’s Prime Minister Alaine Bunyoni, Botswana’s Vice President Slumber Tsogwane and Mozambique Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosário among others.
Magufuli was re-elected for a second term in office last week securing a huge victory against his main opponent Tundu Lissu, whose party rejected the election results alleging widespread irregularities.
Magufuli garnered 12.5 million votes-84 per cent of the votes cast against 13 per cent for Opposition Leader Tundu Lissu, who got 1.9 million votes.
President Magufuli and Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan took oath of office separately in Dodoma’s Jamhuri Stadium, a ceremony that was witnessed by thousands of Tanzanians alongside other foreign dignitaries
He was sworn in before Judge Ibrahim Hamisi Juma, Chief Secretary John Kijazi amidst scores of people, visiting Presidents and other dignitaries present on the occasion.
After taking oath, President Magufuli promised to be faithful, work for the country as well as protect the country’s constitution.
He later signed the oath of promise before being handed the constitution, he was then handed traditional symbols of power which include a spear and shield.Magufuli was first elected as President in 2015, his next five-year term is expected to end in 2025.
