Tanzania's main opposition party banned from standing in election

The move comes days after its leader and presidential candidate was arrested and charged with treason.

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Ramadhani Kailima, director of elections at the Independent National Elections Commission, said that Chadema had failed to sign a code of conduct document that was due on Saturday, meaning the party was disqualified from October's elections.

Last week, Chadema's leader Tundu Lissu was arrested and charged with treason following a rally in southern Tanzania at which he called for electoral reforms.

The CCM party, which has governed Tanzania since 1977, is expected to retain power following the latest developments.

"Any party that did not sign the code of conduct will not participate in the general election," Mr Kailima said on Saturday, adding that Chadema would also be banned from taking part in any by-elections until 2030.