Irregularities and overwhelming margins of victory raise serious doubts about the credibility of results announced in Tanzania, the United States has said.
In a statement on Friday, the US ambassador to TZ Donald Wright urged authorities to work with all stakeholders to fully and immediately address the concerns in a transparent manner.
"...in order to restore trust, heal divisions and reinforce respect for the rule of law and good governance," Wright said.
"We call on all parties to refrain from violence and inciteful rhetoric over the coming days and urge authorities to respect the right of Tanzanians to peacefully protest and express themselves."
Wright added that detaining opposition leaders is not the act of a government confident in its electoral victory.
"Maalim Seif and his colleagues should be released immediately," he said.
Tanzania opposition leader Tundu Lissu asked countries around the world not to recognise the eventual results of an election held the previous day, calling it a “travesty” due to widespread irregularities.
Lissu, the main challenger to incumbent President John Magufuli told the Star on Thursday that he will not concede to Magufuli.
Magufuli is seeking a second, five year term in presidential and parliamentary polls marked by complaints of restricted internet access and accusations of fraud.
Lissu said there was no way he was going to accept defeat to an election that has been marred by rigging and violence by state agencies.
"As long as we are concerned there is no election that has taken place. We shall not accept the results and so far we have asked Tanzanians to gather in large numbers for mass action and reject the results," Lissu said.
