Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Tuesday dissolved parliament to allow for elections in October, pledging a “free and fair” vote in a country where the opposition has decried a climate of fear and violence. Magufuli, who took office in 2015 promising a crackdown on corruption but whose strongman leadership style has drawn criticism, urged all parties to “avoid insults and violence” while campaigning. “I want to assure everyone that the elections will be free and fair, for all political parties,” Magufuli, who is expected to seek a second five-year term, said in an address to lawmakers.
