Burkina Faso voters head to polls in 1st vote since popular uprising toppled longtime leader

Published November 29, 2015

Hundreds of voters are lining up after morning prayers to vote in Burkina Faso's first presidential and legislative elections since a popular uprising toppled the West Africa nation's longtime leader.

Polls slowly opened Sunday as the sun rose in the vote to replace a transitional government.

Candidates and analysts say the vote will be the most democratic in Burkina Faso's history, with no incumbent on the ballot and the presidential guard now dissolved.

A popular uprising in October 2014 forced President Blaise Compaore to resign after a 27-year rule.

The poll, originally scheduled for last month, was postponed after a week-long failed coup by the presidential guard in September.

Some 5.5 million people are registered to vote.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/world/burkina-faso-voters-head-to-polls-in-1st-vote-since-popular-uprising-toppled-longtime-leader