| 05.09.2008 | 20:00 UTC
Angola's landmark election marred by delays
Voters in Angola have been going to the polls in the country's first parliamentary elections in 16 years. Friday's vote was marred by delays and organisational problems. The head of the European Union observer mission in Angola described the organisation of the landmark election as a "disaster". Hundreds of people reportedly waited for hours for polling stations to open. Observers also said there was a lack of ballots and ink which is used to mark voters' fingers in order to prevent multiple voting. More than eight million people are registered to vote. Official results are not expected for at least a week. The MPLA party of President Jose Eduardo dos Santos which has ruled the country for almost thirty years is expected to retain control of the 220-seat parliament. The main challenger is the opposition UNITA. The poll comes six years after the end of a 27-year civil war that left at least 500,000 people dead.
