AfricaPress-Tanzania: THERE was a big turnout at different polling stations on Wednesday as Dodoma residents appeared to have their constitution right to vote for their leaders who will represent them for the next five years.
They had options to vote for a president of their choice, Member of Parliament and coucillors.
A survey by the africa-press at different polling centres found out that there was calm at all centres as security officials beefed up security to ensure that the process went smoothly.
In an interview, different eligible voters who lined up in long queues thanked the National Electoral Commission (NEC) officials for proper preparations at polling stations ahead of the election.
They also paid tribute to security organs in Dodoma Regions to ensure that the ongoing exercise remained peacefully.
“I woke up very early this morning to come and exercise my constitutional right and I have already voted for my leaders and now I am going home to wait for the announcement of the results,’’ said George Mushi, who voted at Maduka Matatu’s Nkuhungu Polling station in the outskirt of Dodoma City.
There was also a big turnout at Chamwino Polling Station as residents came in large numbers to exercise their democratic and constitutional right.
There was a glimpse at CCM presidential candidate Dr John Magufuli, who arrived at the polling station just a few minutes before 10:00 am.
Flanked by his wife Janeth, the incumbent president who is seeking for re-election exercised his right before addressing the media for a short moment.
What surprised fellow voters was the fact that Dr Magufuli, upon arrival at the polling centre joined other eligible voters to queue for almost 20 minutes before voting, unlike other candidates who arrive and vote immediately before queuing.
