Tanzanian police declared an evening curfew in the country's largest city after hundreds protested on Wednesday.

Despite heavy security in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, with tanks stationed around key junctions, hundreds of young people took to the streets during the day, expressing their grievances over the general election held on Wednesday.

A group burned down a police station along Nelson Mandela Road, the main road from the city's port, the journalist said.

Internet watchdog NetBlocks reported a "nationwide disruption to internet connectivity" in a statement on X.

Curfew imposed

Police chief Camillus Wambura declared a curfew on national broadcaster TBC, warning people "should be at home from six in the evening" and that military and police officers would patrol Dar es Salaam's streets.

The situation was much calmer on the semi-autonomous island of Zanzibar, AFP journalists said

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, 65, is running in the presidential election, alongside 16 other candidates from smaller parties by representation.

Hassan's main challenger, Tundu Lissu, is on trial for treason, facing a potential death penalty. His party, Chadema, is barred from running. The other notable candidate, Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, was disqualified on technicalities.

President had promised 'no election day security threat'

Hassan was elevated from vice-president in 2021 on the death of her predecessor, John Pombe Magufuli.

Speaking at an election rally, Hassan promised there would be "no security threat" on election day.

"We are well-prepared for security. Those who have failed to participate in the competition should not seek to disrupt our election."