Tanzania, Aug. 2 -- Dar es Salaam. Political party leaders have welcomed the Police Force's decision to accept notifications for public rallies, describing it as a correction of an earlier position they say contravened the Constitution and national laws, while insisting that due legal procedures must be followed.

The reactions come a day after the Police Force announced it was ready to receive notifications from political parties and other stakeholders intending to hold public rallies in accordance with existing laws, regulations and procedures.

The announcement follows the government's decision a month ago to temporarily suspend public rallies, with Home Affairs Minister Patrobas Katambi citing the need to strengthen public security. ...