Ali Hassan Mwinyi vs Edward Lowassa

Upon becoming President of Tanzania in 1985, Mwinyi initiated economic liberalization policies, moving away from the socialist Ujamaa system. He introduced market-oriented reforms, including devaluation of the currency, removal of price controls, and encouragement of private enterprise, which shifted Tanzania's economy towards capitalism.

Mwinyi succeeded Julius Nyerere as President of Tanzania in 1985, serving two terms until 1995. His presidency marked a transition from socialist policies to economic liberalization and political pluralism, though he faced criticism for corruption and economic difficulties.

Mwinyi signed the Zanzibar Declaration in 1991, which allowed the return of multiparty politics in Tanzania. This ended the one-party rule of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party and paved the way for the first multiparty elections in 1995.

Edward Lowassa was appointed Prime Minister by President Jakaya Kikwete. He served from 2005 to 2008, overseeing government operations and policy implementation during Kikwete's first term.

Lowassa resigned as Prime Minister following allegations of involvement in the Richmond scandal, where a contract was awarded to a US company for electricity generation that failed to deliver. The scandal implicated several officials and led to a parliamentary inquiry.

Lowassa defected from CCM to the opposition party Chadema and ran as their presidential candidate in the 2015 election. He lost to John Magufuli of CCM, receiving about 40% of the vote.