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Togo votes in landmark election | Togo votes in landmark election |
(about 12 hours later) | |
The west African state of Togo has held parliamentary elections, with all opposition parties taking part for the first time in almost two decades. | |
Togolese leaders hope the poll will convince foreign donors to resume aid after a suspension lasting 15 years. | |
Correspondents in the capital, Lome, said turnout appeared to be high, with long queues at polling stations. | |
Hundreds of people were killed during the 2005 presidential election, won by current President Faure Gnassingbe. | |
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-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 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. |
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 was disputed and marred by violence in which hundreds of people were killed. |