Ballots counted after pivotal CAR poll

Votes are being counted after Central African Republic’s national elections had voters come out en masse in hopes of peace.

Bangui, Central African Republic - Votes are being counted after Central African Republic’s much-delayed national elections had voters come out en masse in hopes of peace and stability after years of violence.

The National Electoral Authority said lines were moving until polling stations closed in Wednesday’s vote. No violence was reported.

The African Union observation mission head said that no major issues were seen.

However, voters and candidates remarked that names were missing from ballots and some materials were not available.

Voters are choosing a government to replace the transitional leaders put in place in 2014.

More than 1.8 million people were registered to vote at more than 500 polling stations nationwide.

United Nations peacekeepers and national security forces provided security at polling stations.

The nation has been rocked by unrest since March 2013.

AP