Tanzania, Feb. 16 -- Arusha. Besides Salim Ahmed Salim, the late Edward Lowassa served as a prime minister for a shorter time than the rest of ex-PMs.

He held the position for only two years and about one month compared to Mr Salim who was the PM for one and a half years.

Yet, the former lawmaker for Monduli defeated the rest of politicians who served as PM for coming closer to the presidency.

During the heated contested polls in 2015, Mr Lowassa vied for Union presidency on the opposition ticket.

He was forced to cross over to Chadema after his name was deleted during the nomination process of CCM presidential candidate.

Prior to that, he appeared unbeatable as he traversed the country seeking signatures from CCM supporters for the ...