DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania’s ruling party candidate John Magufuli won hotly contested presidential elections, officials announced Thursday, but the opposition said the vote was rigged and also claimed victory.

The win by Magufuli with over 58 percent of votes cements the long-running Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party’s firm grip on power, ruling Tanzania since 1977 when two independence-era parties merged.

But tensions are high amid deep concern at opposition claims of rigging, as well as the semi-autonomous Zanzibar archipelago’s decision to annul polls. “I duly declare John Pombe Magufuli to have been duly elected President of the United Republic of Tanzania,” National Electoral Commission (NEC) chief Damian Lubuva announced.

His running mate Samia Suluhu Hassan will become Tanzania’s first ever female vice president.

“He is the right person for our country,” said outgoing President Jakaya Kikwete, who steps down after serving his two-term limit.