Tanzania is experiencing a nationwide internet blackout as voting begins in a tense general election marked by arrests and opposition suppression.

DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Tanzanian government on Wednesday night directed all public servants nationwide to work from home on Thursday, citing security concerns following youth-led protests on the general election day.

Civil society groups in Tanzania have called for the nullification of Wednesday's general election and the formation of an inclusive transitional arrangement, saying the vote was neither free nor competitive after top opposition contenders were locked out of the race.

The East African country’s Party of Revolution, one of the longest-ruling parties on the continent, seeks to keep its grip on power.

Police in Dar es Salaam used teargas and live bullets to disperse youths attempting to protest in Kimara Kibo as voting continued in Tanzania’s general elections.