Military deployed to enforce curfew after tensions boil over during Tanzania election

The Tanzanian military has been deployed to enforce a curfew after tensions boiled over during the east African country's presidential election.

Critics of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and his Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, which has ruled since independence in 1961, protested over the harassment of opposition leaders, claiming election choices had been limited.In response to the rioting, internet services were cut and a curfew announced in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam. Tundu Lissu, the leader of the main opposition Chadema party, is currently in prison facing charges of treason, after calling for electoral reform.In addition, the candidate of the second-largest opposition party was barred from running.

Amnesty International said it had verified cases of enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings ahead of the polls, while the US embassy issued a security alert citing "country-wide" protests. Hundreds of protesters in the Kimara and Ubungo areas set a bus and a petrol station ablaze, while polling stations were reportedly vandalised outside the capital Dodoma.

Tanzania has more than 37 million registered voters, but there have been reports of widespread voter apathy, with low turnout reported. Critics said Ms Hassan, who is seeking her first full term as president, will cruise to victory unchallenged.

Sixteen opposition candidates representing smaller parties are also on the ballot.One university student, James Matonya, told The Associated Press he did not vote because the election was a "one-horse race". Human rights organisations have long accused Tanzania's administration of arresting, detaining and intimidating critics and opposition members.

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