Living in one of the world's poorest countries, where the average estimated income is about $330 a year, Tanzanians are unhappy with the governing party's failure to curb growing unemployment and improve living conditions.

Before Kikwete was sworn in, outgoing President Benjamin Mkapa received a 21-gun salute, a send-off from the military he headed as commander in chief for 10 years.

International observers described the Dec. 14 poll, which had nine aspirants challenging the ruling Revolutionary Party's 44-year hold on the presidency, as the best organized since 1995, when the country held its first multiparty election in 30 years. Independence from Britain was gained in 1961.

The Japan Times Weekly: Dec. 23, 2005
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