Tanzania's President John Magufuli has been challenged to a televised debate by his rival Tundu Lissu ahead of next month's election.

President Magufuli is seeking a second five-year term amid concerns of increased repression of opposition parties.

Mr Magufuli has not yet responded to the challenge.

Natoa rai kwa Mgombea Urais wa CCM na vyombo vyetu vya habari, kufanikisha mdahalo kuhusu mustakabali wa Taifa letu la Tanzania 🇹🇿! Calling on the incumbent President John Magufuli for a public presidential debate!

Retweet 🔁 kama unakubaliana nami!!#TunduLissu2020 #SasaBasi pic.twitter.com/DdNEQpKuZQ

— Tundu Antiphas Lissu (@TunduALissu) September 13, 2020

Mr Lissu, the leader of Chadema party, said a televised debate of the presidential candidates will be "healthy for the country's democracy".

He told a campaign rally that President Magufuli shouldn't be afraid of debating a person who has never been a president like him.

He tweeted a footage of his Swahili address to the rally: