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UN Calls On Tanzania to Avoid Violence as Citizens Vote

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - The United Nations is calling on all governmental and civil
   society actors in Tanzania to refrain from violence, and ensure people
   can safely cast their votes in Wednesday's general election.

   Following weeks of bitter political strife, U.N. monitor groups and
   human rights organizations fear Tanzania's election Wednesday is likely
   not to be free and fair.

   The U.N. human rights office is expressing concern about "the shrinking
   democratic space" in the country. Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani says
   her agency has received troubling reports of intimidation, harassment,
   and arbitrary arrests.

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