U.S. Embassy issues safety alert over Tanzania election protests

According to the embassy, its personnel are advised to avoid demonstrations and huge crowds, maintain a low profile and monitor local media for updates on the country's situation. 

Further, they were instructed to enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts about the protests. 

Demonstrators took to the streets on election day to protest against the elections, where President Samia Suluhu is expected to contest without much competition as the main opposition party CHADEMA, boycotted the vote after its party leader, Tundu Lissu, was charged with treason. 

Another contender slated to vie for the presidency, Luhaga Mpina of the ACT-Wazalendo party, was also disqualified from the polls due to legal technicalities. 

The protesters lit bonfires on the roads, vandalised buses and caused extensive damage to public infrastructures while demanding electoral reforms in the country. 

In response, police officers lobbed tear gas to disperse the demonstrators following a warning by Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Alfred Chalamila that the Tanzanian government would take action against those causing chaos in the city. 

Despite an estimated 37 million Tanzanians being eligible to vote, there has been a low voter turnout, with many hesitant to show amid safety concerns. 

President Suluhu is seeking a second term with the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, which has dominated the country's politics since independence.