The Tanzanian electoral commission has said that voters with missing identify cards will be allowed to use driving licences and passports to vote in next week's general election.

The commission said the names of those voting using such documents should tally with their details in the voters’ register, according to a statement on Twitter.

President John Magufuli, who is seeking re-election, is facing competition from opposition candidate Tundu Lissu.

The US had last month expressed concern over "increased tension" ahead of the general election.

The concerns came days after 10 foreign missions in Tanzania jointly called for a free and fair election.

There have been concerns by rights group about increased repression of opposition parties and non-governmental organisations.