Tanzania's Magufuli challenged to a TV debate by rival

Tanzania's President John Magufuli has been challenged to a televised debate by his rival Tundu Lissu ahead of next month's election.

President Magufuli is seeking a second five-year term amid concerns of increased repression of opposition parties.

Mr Magufuli has not yet responded to the challenge.

Mr Lissu, the leader of Chadema party, said a televised debate of the presidential candidates will be "healthy for the country's democracy".

He told a campaign rally that President Magufuli shouldn't be afraid of debating a person who has never been a president like him.

He tweeted a footage of his Swahili address to the rally:

Natoa rai kwa Mgombea Urais wa CCM na vyombo vyetu vya habari, kufanikisha mdahalo kuhusu mustakabali wa Taifa letu la Tanzania ????????! Calling on the incumbent President John Magufuli for a public presidential debate!

Retweet ???? kama unakubaliana nami!!#TunduLissu2020 #SasaBasi pic.twitter.com/DdNEQpKuZQ

— Tundu Antiphas Lissu (@TunduALissu) September 13, 2020