Tanzania's ruling party names works minister Magufuli as candidate for Oct. elections

Tanzania's public works minister John Pombe Magufuli, right, celebrates with president Jakaya Kikwete, left, after the ruling party announced its presidential candidate, in Dodoma, Tanzania, Sunday, July 12, 2015. Tanzania's ruling party, which has been in power for five decades, has chosen public works minister John Pombe Magufuli as its presidential candidate, making him the favorite to replace current president Jakaya Kikwete in the upcoming October election. (AP Photo/Khalfan Said) (The Associated Press)

In this photo taken late Saturday, July 11, 2015, Tanzania's public works minister John Pombe Magufuli speaks at an internal party poll to decide the ruling party's presidential candidate, in Dodoma, Tanzania. Tanzania's ruling party, which has been in power for five decades, has chosen public works minister John Pombe Magufuli as its presidential candidate, making him the favorite to replace current president Jakaya Kikwete in the upcoming October election. (AP Photo/Khalfan Said) (The Associated Press)

Tanzania's ruling party has chosen public works minister John Pombe Magufuli as its presidential candidate, making him the favorite to replace Jakaya Kikwete in the upcoming October election.

The Party of Revolution, known by the acronym CCM, said Sunday Magufuli won an internal party poll over two other candidates, African Union ambassador to the U.S. Amina Salum Ali and former U.N. Deputy Secretary General Asha-Rose Migiro.

Magufuli's running mate in the Oct. 25 general election is Samia Hassan Suluhi, the minister of state in the vice president's office.

CCM has been in power for five decades, and analysts say Magufuli is likely to see off a challenge by a coalition of four opposition parties to become Tanzania's next president.