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Tanzania’s ruling party is set to pick a president candidate ahead of the country’s elections in October later this year.

The vote will usher in a new president to succeed Jakaya Kikwete who is now serving his second and final term.

38 candidates were said to be vying to secure the ticket of the ruling party CCM which has been in power since 1964.

Top CCM officials on Saturday came up with five names, among them two women, who they say are fit for the country’s top job.

President Kikwete has so far not openly endorsed any of the candidates, saying that he hoped that party members  will nominate a candidate that cannot only win the presidential election but also lead Tanzania through its current challenges.