The Vice President of Tanzania Samia Saluhu is set to become the first female President of Tanzania following the death of President John Magufuli who died on Wednesday in Dar es Salam.
According to the Tanzanian Government, Magufuli succumbed to heart complications.
The Tanzanian Constitution stipulates that in the case where the office of the President becomes vacant by reason of death, the Vice-President shall be sworn in and become the President for the unexpired period of the term of five years.
This means Samia Hassan Suluhu, who became Vice-president when Magufuli was elected as President of Tanzania in 2015 will be sworn in as Tanzania president.
Hassan will propose the name of the person who shall be the Vice President after consultation with her political party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, according to the constitution.
If Hassan is sworn in it means she will become the first female leader of the East African nation since its independence from Britain in late 1961.
Hassan would be expected to complete Magufuli’s second term which still has 4 years to go as he was re – appointed President last October when he worn the elections.
Samia Hassan announced Magufuli’s death on Wednesday, attributing it to heart problems.