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TANZANIA: ELECTIONS PRAISED BY PRESIDENT MBEKI December 21, 2005
Apunyu Bonny
(SomaliNet) Tanzania was on Tuesday 20th congratulated by South African President Thabo Mbeki on last week's presidential election, the country's third since the introduction of political pluralism in 1992. Reports Sapa.
In a message of support to president-elect Jakaya Kikwete, Mbeki said: "Once more the sun has shone on efforts of the African people to entrench democracy, stability and good governance with the successful holding of yet another peaceful election in Tanzania."
Kikwete succeeds outgoing President Benjamin Mkapa, who was constitutionally barred from seeking a third term.
The elections were peaceful in most of the country except in the opposition stronghold of Zanzibar where at least 20 people were wounded in polling day violence.
Mbeki said he believed South Africa and Tanzania would continue to expand their political, economic and cultural links.