Former Deputy Secretary- General of the United Nations Asha-Rose Migiro on Monday collected presidential nomination forms, bringing to four the number of females in Tanzania eyeing for the highest post under the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM)."It is now time for women to lead Tanzania," Migiro said shortly after she had collected the forms in the East African country's political capital Dodoma.

Accompanied by her husband Cleophas Migiro, the former diplomat paid tribute to CCM for what she described as promoting democracy for allowing its members to vie for the presidency.

Other female members of the ruling party who have collected the presidential nomination forms are renowned scientist Mwele Malecela, diplomat Amina Ali Salum and former minister Monica Mbega.

Tanzania's general election will be held on October 25.

"My working with the UN has given me enough experience to lead this country," said Migiro who had also worked as the country's Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

"I am looking forward to delivering the best leadership should my party approve my nomination," she said.

Asha-Rose Migiro, born in Tanzania's Songea on 9 July 1956, took office as Deputy Secretary-General of the UN in February 2007 and was the third Deputy Secretary-General to be appointed since the post was established in 1997.

She served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from 2006 to 2007, the first woman in Tanzania to hold that position since its independence in 1961.

Before that, she was Minister for Community Development, Gender and Children for five years.

As Foreign Minister, Migiro spearheaded Tanzania's engagement in the pursuit of peace, security and development in the Great Lakes region.

She served as Chair of the Council of Ministers' meetings of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region, a process that culminated into a pact on security, stability and development in the Great Lakes Region.

Migiro was also Chair of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Ministerial Committee of the Organ on Politics, Defense and Security Cooperation and President of the United Nations Security Council during its open debate on peace, security and development in the Great Lakes region.

Apart from the four women, more than 25 male members of CCM, including Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda and two former Prime Ministers, have picked forms seeking nomination to vie for the presidency.

Incumbent President Jakaya Kikwete will end his second five- year-term in October and the country's constitution does not allow him to run for the third term.