This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/7043593.stm
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Togo votes in landmark election | |
(about 8 hours later) | |
The West African state of Togo is holding its first parliamentary elections since the death of Gnassingbe Eyadema, who had ruled for 38 years. | |
The main opposition parties are all taking part, having boycotted polls for nearly two decades. | The main opposition parties are all taking part, having boycotted polls for nearly two decades. |
Reports say there have been delays and long queues at some polling stations. | |
If the elections go smoothly, analysts say donors could restore aid that has been cut off for 15 years in response to human rights abuses and misrule. | |
Dozens of parties and independent candidates are competing for parliamentary seats. | Dozens of parties and independent candidates are competing for parliamentary seats. |
TOGO ELECTION IN NUMBERS 3,000,000 voters2,150 candidates81 seats in national assembly3,000 observersPolls open 0700GMT-1700GMT | TOGO ELECTION IN NUMBERS 3,000,000 voters2,150 candidates81 seats in national assembly3,000 observersPolls open 0700GMT-1700GMT |
Opposition parties, including the Union of Forces for Change (UFC) of veteran opposition leader Gilchrist Olympio, have taken part in largely peaceful, carnival-like campaigns. | Opposition parties, including the Union of Forces for Change (UFC) of veteran opposition leader Gilchrist Olympio, have taken part in largely peaceful, carnival-like campaigns. |
Past elections have often been little more than a sham, BBC West Africa correspondent Will Ross says. | |
Until his death in 2005, Gnassingbe Eyadema was the longest serving president in Africa. | |
In power for almost four decades, he dealt ruthlessly with the opposition. | |
Troubled past | Troubled past |
The military carried out arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings during the 1990s, leading to the cutting of international aid. | |
Gnassingbe Eyadema's death was followed by further outcry when his own son was installed as president. | Gnassingbe Eyadema's death was followed by further outcry when his own son was installed as president. |
Faure Gnassingbe did step down in order for polls to be held but it was no great surprise when he emerged as the victor. | Faure Gnassingbe did step down in order for polls to be held but it was no great surprise when he emerged as the victor. |
However, his presidential election two years ago were disputed and marred by violence in which hundreds of people were killed. | |