Politics
Roch Marc Christian Kabore has won presidential elections in Burkina Faso, the electoral commission says.
Mr Kabore, a former prime minister, secured 53.5% of the vote on Sunday after months of political unrest. It was the first election since last year's popular uprising which toppled longstanding President Blaise Compaore. The vote was due to have been held last month but was delayed by a failed coup in September led by members of the elite presidential guard. Mr Compaore, 64, is now living in exile in neighbouring Ivory Coast. The Independent National Electoral Commission says Mr Kabore, 58, won the elections outright, and there is no need to hold a second round. It says his main rival, former Economy and Finance Minister Zephirin Diabre, gained 21.6% of the vote. Mr Diabre has already congratulated Mr Kabore, according to the AFP news agency.
Reuters reports:
Sunday's peaceful election comes after longtime leader Compaore was toppled in a popular uprising in October 2014 in which demonstrators faced down the security forces over his attempt to extend his tenure. The vote could serve as an example for democratic transition in Africa, where veteran rulers in Burundi and Congo Republic have this year changed the constitution to pave the way for a fresh term in office. It also represents a pivotal moment for a nation ruled by leaders who came to power in coups for most of its history since independence from France in 1960. There was strong turnout in all 45 provinces and logistical problems at the start of the day were by-and-large resolved, Barthelemy Kere, president of the Independent National Electoral Commission, told a news conference late on Sunday.
