Jakaya Kikwete, presidential candidate for the ruling Revolutionary Party, took an early lead today in Tanzania’s third elections since multi-party politics were reintroduced in 1992.

The winner of Zanzibar’s disputed election appealed for peace today as the Indian Ocean archipelago celebrated the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan after days of political violence.

Political violence has flared in Zanzibar with mobs attacking political opposition members’ offices and homes - leaving at least 17 people injured - as the island prepares for elections this year.

Eighteen opposition demonstrators have been killed during two days of violence on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar.