Republic of Congo citizens start vote on referendum that could give president another term

Published October 25, 2015

Republic of Congo citizens are heading to the polls to cast their vote on a referendum that could see the country's longtime president become eligible for a new term in office.

Under current laws, 71-year-old President Denis Sassou N'Guesso is barred from seeking re-election when his second term expires next year. The referendum asks voters to consider scrapping a two-term limit and 70-year-old age limit for candidates.

Electoral commission president Henri Bouka encouraged people to get to the polls Sunday, after what he said was a slow start. About 200 stood in line at a poll in Brazzaville.

Politicians campaigning against the referendum had called for a campaign of "civil disobedience," but by the end of the week called for calm. Four people were killed on Tuesday during violent demonstrations.

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