Tanzania opposition leaders freed after day in police custody - party

Tanzanian police on Tuesday released three opposition leaders who were arrested after calling for demonstrations to demand a fresh election and an independent electoral commission, their party said. On Monday police arrested Freeman Mbowe, chairman of the leading opposition party, CHADEMA, and his fellow leaders including former lawmaker Godbless Lema and the former mayor of Ubungo municipality, Boniface Jacob.

Tanzanian police on Tuesday released three opposition leaders who were arrested after calling for demonstrations to demand a fresh election and an independent electoral commission, their party said.

On Monday police arrested Freeman Mbowe, chairman of the leading opposition party, CHADEMA, and his fellow leaders including former lawmaker Godbless Lema and the former mayor of Ubungo municipality, Boniface Jacob. "Mbowe, Lema and Jacob have been released... on bond by the police," CHADEMA said on its Twitter account.

The opposition has demanded a re-run of last week's election, citing widespread suspected fraud, and has called for protests against the outcome, which saw incumbent President John Magufuli win with 84% of the vote on Oct. 28. Separately, police also released Zitto Kabwe, head of another fast-growing party, ACT-Wazalendo, a party official said.

Police had arrested Kabwe earlier on Tuesday, while he was visiting the now-released CHADEMA leaders at the station where they were being held. "We are seeking details on whether he has been released on bail or not and when he is supposed to report back (to the police station)," said Janeth Rite, ACT-Wazalendo's deputy secretary of ideology and publicity.

Kabwe was among leaders sought by police after the former lawmaker called for peaceful protests on Saturday. Police said the protests were illegal and aimed at fomenting violence.