Tanzanian Ambassador to Russia Patrick Chokala has joined in the race for the 2005 presidency by collecting his nomination form in Dodoma.

According to reports reaching here on Friday, the ambassador becomes the ninth aspirant in the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM)party for the top most job of the United Republic of Tanzania.

The others who strive to be the sole candidate to represent theruling party in the presidential race include Samwel Malecela, vice chairman of the CCM on mainland Tanzania; Ali Abeid Karume, Tanzanian ambassador to Germany; Prime Minister Frederick Sumaye; Communications and Transport Minister Mark Mwandosya; Foreign Minister Jakaya Kikwete; Mwalimu Nyerere Foundation Chairman Salim Ahmed Salim; Member of Parliament from Ilala district Iddi Simba; Minister of State in the President's office Abdallah Kigoda.

The country's third multiparty general elections are slated for October this year.

Source: Xinhua