Hopes for peace as C.Africans vote in presidential run-off
- 8 years ago
Voters in the Central African Republic cast their ballots Sunday in delayed legislative elections and a presidential run-off which they hope will bring peace after the country's worst sectarian violence since independence in 1960.
The nation, dogged by coups, violence and misrule since winning independence from France, could take a step towards rebirth if the polls and their aftermath go smoothly.
"It's crucial that people vote today," said Paterne, a voter in his 40s, as he queued at a polling station in the capital Bangui.
"For the first time, we have a true opportunity to turn our backs on war."
The vote apparently passed off peacefully, with security tight as UN peacekeepers and French soldiers helped to patrol areas where tensions remain high.
The nation, dogged by coups, violence and misrule since winning independence from France, could take a step towards rebirth if the polls and their aftermath go smoothly.
"It's crucial that people vote today," said Paterne, a voter in his 40s, as he queued at a polling station in the capital Bangui.
"For the first time, we have a true opportunity to turn our backs on war."
The vote apparently passed off peacefully, with security tight as UN peacekeepers and French soldiers helped to patrol areas where tensions remain high.