Tanzania’s National Electoral Commission (NEC) has barred the main opposition presidential candidate, Tundu Lissu, from campaigning for a week.
The NEC said its ethics committee had taken the decision following complaints from trwo political parties – the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM; Party of the Revolution) and the opposition National Reconstruction Alliance (NRA).
The parties accused Mr Lissu of falsely claiming that President John Magufuli had held a secret meeting with district bosses with the intention of influencing the outcome of the polls.
Lissu was also accused of calling on the public not to accept any vote rigging, urging them to take to the streets in protest.
Lissu denies the accusations and has the right to appeal against the suspension of his campaign.
Earlier, Lissu said his Chadema party had received a letter from the police ordering him to appear before the head of investigations in Dar-es-Salaam over rigging allegations he made against the President.
He, however, said he would ignore the summons and instead attend a planned meeting with foreign envoys.
He said the letter does not outline the offence he committed to warrant being summoned:
Tanzanians head to the polls on October 28 to elect members of parliament and president. Incumbent John Magufuli is seeking a second five-year term.
Lissu is the main opposition challenger for the presidency