Central African Republic begins vote count after presidential election

Election officials in the Central African Republic began counting votes on Sunday (December 28) evening following the country's presidential election.

At a counting centre in Bangui, officials opened ballot boxes and poured the contents onto the floor before beginning the process of sorting and tallying the votes.

The presidential election was held alongside legislative, regional and municipal polls.

The election is taking place as the Central African Republic continues to face security challenges from armed groups that control large parts of the country.

Authorities say provisional results are expected to be announced by Jan. 5. If no presidential candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a run-off is scheduled for February 15.

Production: Leger Kokpakpa, Media Coulibaly, Ngouda Dione/Reuters