Hopes for peace as C.Africans vote in presidential run-off

Election officials began counting ballots Sunday after the Central African Republic voted in delayed legislative elections and a presidential run-off it hopes will bring peace after the 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. The official results may not be known for several days.

For the first time we have a true opportunity to turn our backs on war.

Paterne, a voter in his 40s

The elections apparently passed off peacefully, with security tight as UN peacekeepers and French soldiers helped to patrol areas where tensions remain high. The two men in the close presidential race, Faustin-Archange Touadera and Anicet-Georges Dologuele, are both former prime ministers. Touadera has portrayed himself as an anti-corruption stalwart, while Dologuele pledges to revive the economy and draw in investors hesitant until now to exploit significant gold, diamond and uranium deposits. Authorities were also trying to re-run a first round of legislative polls which were canceled over irregularities.

Central Africa