 Mkapa has been a popular leader |
Tanzania's ruling party has nominated Foreign Minister Jakaya Kikwete as its presidential candidate for the general election on 30 October. The Chama Cha Mapinduzi party's choice is widely expected to become the next president, replacing Benjamin Mkapa.
Mr Mkapa is stepping down after serving two five-year terms, the maximum allowed under the constitution.
The CCM has been in power since Tanzania gained independence from the UK just over 40 years ago.
Long-time player
Mr Kikwete was chosen over Minister for Communications and Transport Mark Mwandosya and the former Secretary General of the Organisation of African Unity, Salim Ahmed Salim.
 | JAKAYA KIKWETE Born 7 Oct 1950 Studied economics at the University of Dar es Salaam Former head of military intelligence in the Tanzanian army Member of parliament since 1988 Served as the water, energy and minerals minister, and finance minister Foreign minister since 1995 |
He has been a presidential candidate in the past, suffering a narrow defeat by Mr Mkapa in 1995.
"He is not a rich man and has kept to [Tanzania's founding President Julius] Nyerere's ethical lines," a political analyst told Reuters news agency.
Last month, the main opposition Civic United Front (CUF) chose US-trained economist Ibrahim Lipumba as its presidential candidate.
But the CUF, with widespread support on the semi-autonomous archipelago of Zanzibar, is not as popular on the mainland.
Mr Mkapa has been a well-liked leader driving forward a political reform programme while attempting to pull his people out of poverty.
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