Tanzanian police arrested the leader of the country’s main opposition party after he addressed a rally to promote democratic reform ahead of October elections.

According to his party (Chadema), Tundu Lissu, the chairman of leading opposition party has been holding rallies countrywide in recent weeks under the slogan: “No Reforms, No Election,” to call for reforms in the way the election will be run.

Chadema spokeswoman Brenda Rupia said Tundu Lissu has been arrested by the police in Mbinga district when he had just finished addressing a public meeting. It is not known which police station he has been taken to.

The chairman has been arrested with other party members, and the police officers are dispersing the public using teargas at the venue,” Chedema said.

Lissu survived being shot 16 times during an assassination attempt in 2017.

According to his party (Chadema), Tundu Lissu, the chairman of leading opposition party has been holding rallies countrywide in recent weeks under the slogan: “No Reforms, No Election,” to call for reforms in the way the election will be run.

Chadema spokeswoman Brenda Rupia said, “Tundu Lissu has been arrested by the police in Mbinga district when he had just finished addressing a public meeting. It is not known which police station he has been taken to.

“The chairman has been arrested with other party members, and the police officers are dispersing the public using teargas at the venue,” Chedema said.

Lissu survived being shot 16 times during an assassination attempt in 2017.