Incumbent President Benjamin Mkapa stepped down after two consecutive terms in accordance with the constitution.

Elections for the Presidency of Zanzibar and its House of Representatives took place on 30 October, as scheduled.

The presidential election was won by Jakaya Kikwete of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), who received 80% of the vote, with Ibrahim Lipumba of the Civic United Front finishing second with 12%.

In the parliamentary elections, the CCM won 264 of the 323 seats in the National Assembly.

Note: A re-run of the invalidated election took place on 14 December 2005.