Tanzania president names new prime minister after disputed election

DODOMA,  Tanzania 

Tanzanian President Samia Hassan on Thursday appointed former finance minister, Mwigulu Nchemba, as prime minister, following a disputed election that triggered deadly protests across the country.

Parliament approved Nchemba’s nomination by an overwhelming majority after Hassan’s landslide victory in the Oct. 29 vote.

Nchemba, who previously served in several cabinet positions under late President John Magufuli, said he would work diligently to advance the government’s development agenda.

Authorities expect economic growth of around 6% this year, supported by infrastructure projects in transport, energy and construction, despite cuts in foreign aid, including from the United States.

Opposition groups have accused the government of election fraud and excluding rival candidates, allegations that sparked nationwide demonstrations.

The U.N. human rights office said hundreds of protesters were killed during the unrest, while opposition figures have reported more than 1,000 deaths. The government has denied the figures and not provided its own estimate.

Nchemba has been a member of parliament since 2010 and previously served as deputy secretary-general of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party.