Mauritania stages historic poll

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6162500.stm

Mauritania stages historic poll

It is predicted that the vote will be cast along ethnic lines
Mauritanians have begun voting in the North African country's first
election since last year's bloodless coup ended 20 years of authoritian
rule.

Reports from the capital Nouakchott say turnout has been high and that
long queues formed as voters waited for the polling stations to open.

Nearly one million people are eligible to vote in the national
parliament and municipal council polls.

The coup ended two decades of rule by President Maaouiya Ould Sid Ahmed
Taya.

The military rulers promised an early return to civilian government.
The first provisional results are expected late on Monday.

This poll will be followed by elections for the senate in January and
for the president two months later.

Voting along ethnic lines

The BBC's North Africa correspondent Richard Hamilton says there seems
to be a thirst for democracy.

In June, turnout was also high in a referendum on a new constitution
which, amongst other things, put a two-term limit on any future
president.

Observers from the European Union are monitoring the elections and so
far no problems have been reported.

At least 28 political parties are competing to be represented in the
95-member lower house of parliament, the National Assembly - although
only five parties are considered to be front-runners.

But Islamist parties and movements, considered to be among the most
popular in the country, have been banned.

This has resulted in many Islamist candidates standing as independents.

Because Mauritania is home to a number of different racial groups from
Arabs and Burbas to black sub-Saharan tribes, it is predicted that
people may vote along ethnic lines, our correspondent says.

The largely desert country started pumping oil in February this year,
so how that could help development is one of the biggest issues facing
voters, he adds.

Mauritania is one of the few Arabic countries to have recognised Israel
and has also co-operated in the US "war against terror".

Where in Europe is Mauritania, Kever?

wrote:
Where in Europe is Mauritania, Kever?


er......southern......

Grrrreat !!!
Historic !!!
On topic !!!
Useless crap !!!
Thanks, you must be evleth's pal.

"Kever van Panamarenko" a écrit dans le message
de news: ...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6162500.stm

Mauritania stages historic poll

It is predicted that the vote will be cast along ethnic lines
Mauritanians have begun voting in the North African country's first
election since last year's bloodless coup ended 20 years of authoritian
rule.

Reports from the capital Nouakchott say turnout has been high and that
long queues formed as voters waited for the polling stations to open.

Nearly one million people are eligible to vote in the national
parliament and municipal council polls.

The coup ended two decades of rule by President Maaouiya Ould Sid Ahmed
Taya.

The military rulers promised an early return to civilian government.
The first provisional results are expected late on Monday.

This poll will be followed by elections for the senate in January and
for the president two months later.

Voting along ethnic lines

The BBC's North Africa correspondent Richard Hamilton says there seems
to be a thirst for democracy.

In June, turnout was also high in a referendum on a new constitution
which, amongst other things, put a two-term limit on any future
president.

Observers from the European Union are monitoring the elections and so
far no problems have been reported.

At least 28 political parties are competing to be represented in the
95-member lower house of parliament, the National Assembly - although
only five parties are considered to be front-runners.

But Islamist parties and movements, considered to be among the most
popular in the country, have been banned.

This has resulted in many Islamist candidates standing as independents.

Because Mauritania is home to a number of different racial groups from
Arabs and Burbas to black sub-Saharan tribes, it is predicted that
people may vote along ethnic lines, our correspondent says.

The largely desert country started pumping oil in February this year,
so how that could help development is one of the biggest issues facing
voters, he adds.

Mauritania is one of the few Arabic countries to have recognised Israel
and has also co-operated in the US "war against terror".

Cretinus copy pastus

"Kever van Panamarenko" a écrit dans le message
de news: ...

wrote:
Where in Europe is Mauritania, Kever?


er......southern......