Tanzanians will go to the polls on October 25 to elect a new president, the government said Monday, ending speculation of a possible postponement of elections.

"The election date for all who are registered on the electoral roll is 25 October," National Electoral Commission head and retired judge Damian Lubuva said in a statement.

The lists of candidates for legislative and presidential elections will be published on August 21, and the election campaign will start the following day, ending on the eve of the vote.

The publication of the election timetable puts an end to speculation, particularly by the opposition, that the government was preparing to postpone the General Election and extend President Jakaya Kikwete's tenure. President Kikwete has served the maximum two terms mandated by the Constitution.

A separate constitutional referendum due last month has been suspended indefinitely, according to the electoral commission.

READ: Can Dar get new law and hold elections this year?

Unlike in previous years, there are a host of presidential aspirants within the ruling CCM party that has for years dominated politics in Tanzania. The party is due to select its candidate — who will be in pole position to be elected president — by July.

Current Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda and his predecessor Edward Lowassa are both in the running, as is current deputy finance minister Mwigulu Nchemba.

CCM and opposition Chadema and CUF are so far the only political parties that have released their nomination schedules.

Chadema will name its presidential candidate on August 2, according to the party’s nomination schedule.

However, the party says the selection will not affect the nomination of a sole presidential candidate by the Ukawa coalition, of which Chadema is a partner. Other parties in the coalition are CUF, NCCR-Mageuzi and NLD.

READ: Tanzania opposition to field joint presidential candidate

During a meeting of CCM officials last weekend, Kikwete said the party faced a more difficult task than in previous votes and urged the CCM to choose a candidate able to rally votes beyond the party faithful.

READ: CCM allows ‘banned six’ to vie for presidency

"We must take into account the signs of the times," Kikwete said.

Reporting by AFP and The Citizen.