A coup leader who seized power in a rebel war two years ago was vying for Central African Republic's presidency in a runoff election yesterday pitting him against a man representing the former ruling party he ousted.
Military strongman Francois Bozize faces former prime minister Martin Ziguele in a poll that many hope will bring an end to an era of army coups and revolts.
Bozize is favored to win, hoping victory at the ballot box will give him the legitimacy his government lacks.
Bozize led a rebel army that propelled him to the nation's top post in a hail of machine-gun and mortar fire in March 2003 -- when the rest of the world's attention was focused on the US invasion of Iraq.
In the March 13 first round, Bozize won about 43 percent of the vote, less than the simple majority needed for a victory.
Ziguele took 23 percent, while third place went to former military ruler Andre Kolingba, who garnered 16 percent of the vote and claimed the poll was fraudulent.
Three others who lost the initial 11-man race are now rallying behind Bozize. Many believe their support will give Bozize the edge he needs to win.
About 1.5 million of the impoverished nation's 3.6 million people are registered at 4,000 polling stations nationwide.
Voters will also elect the 85 remaining seats up for grabs in a 105-seat legislature. Polls open from 6am to 4pm. Official results may be released in 10 days.
Since gaining independence from France in 1960, Central African Republic has weathered at least nine military revolts and uprisings, often launched by disgruntled soldiers angered over poor pay -- or no pay at all.
While the landlocked nation is rich in gold, diamonds and other minerals, its governments have been chronically cash-poor, and unable to meet payrolls of the military and civil servants.
Bozize toppled democratically elected Ange-Felix Patasse, who now lives in exile in Togo and was barred from running in the election. Ziguele served as Patasse's prime minister.
To his credit, Bozize has managed to keep the country relatively calm and set up a transitional government of national unity that brought in some of his opponents.
"Bozize is the man of the situation who has restored peace in the country," said 31-year-old fish vendor Suzanne Ndia. "Our votes should go to him."
But many believe soldiers like Bozize -- who declared himself president after his guerillas swept into Bangui -- have ruined the country.
"We want a civilian government. Bozize is a soldier and his place is in the army barracks," said Serge Gambo, 46, a mechanic.
"I'm very puzzled," said Jeanot Nguembo, a 22-year-old law student. "Those who hurt us in the past want to return to office. I really don't see any future for my country."
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