Early results from Tanzania's national elections show ruling party candidate and Foreign Minister Jakaya Kikwete has built a huge lead in the presidential race.
The National Election Commission said Friday that Mr. Kikwete, who is favored to win the presidency, has captured 80 percent of the votes counted so far. His closest rival, Ibrahim Lipumba of the opposition Civic United Front, has 10 percent.
Mr. Kikwete also has won 29 of the 34 constituencies announced so far. There are 232 constituencies overall.
Officials have yet to give an official breakdown of the parliamentary race, but the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party is widely expected to keep its hold on power.
Tanzania's new president will replace Benjamin Mkapa, who is barred from seeking another term.
Some information for this report provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.