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Togo votes in landmark election Togo votes in landmark election
(about 12 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 west African state of Togo has held parliamentary elections, with all opposition parties taking part for the first time in almost two decades.
The main opposition parties are all taking part, having boycotted polls for nearly two decades. Togolese leaders hope the poll will convince foreign donors to resume aid after a suspension lasting 15 years.
Reports say there have been delays and long queues at some polling stations. Correspondents in the capital, Lome, said turnout appeared to be high, with long queues at 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. Hundreds of people were killed during the 2005 presidential election, won by current President Faure Gnassingbe.
Dozens of parties and independent candidates are competing for parliamentary seats. He replaced his father, Gnassingbe Eyadema, who had ruled for 38 years and dealt ruthlessly with the opposition.
Dozens of parties and independent candidates competed for parliamentary seats in Sunday's election.
TOGO ELECTION IN NUMBERS 3,000,000 voters2,150 candidates81 seats in national assembly3,000 observersPolls open 0700GMT-1700GMTTOGO 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 campaigns.
Official results were not expected until later in the week.
Past elections have often been little more than a sham, BBC West Africa correspondent Will Ross says.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
The military carried out arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial killings during the 1990s, leading to the cutting of international aid.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. However, his presidential election two years ago was disputed and marred by violence in which hundreds of people were killed.