Tanzania election: CCM faces strong challenge from Ukawa

Tanzania is holding its most tightly contested general elections, as a new opposition coalition tries to end the governing party's 54-year grip on power.

There has been a high turnout at voting stations, reports say.

Opinion polls have put the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party ahead, but the result is expected to be close.
Four opposition groups are backing one candidate, a former prime minister, in the presidential race.
Some of the major issues for the almost 23m registered voters include access to clean water, improved health care and better education, the BBC's Sammy Awami reports from the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam.
President Jakaya Kikwete, who is standing down after two terms, has called for peace ahead of the election, adding that "anyone who tries to cause trouble will be dealt with".
The CCM was formed in 1977 from a merger of two post-colonial parties and has effectively been in power since independence in 1961.