Local polls open in Benin

Voting has been taking place in the first local elections in Benin since the end of the single-party regime more than 10 years ago.

More than three million people are choosing their municipal leaders in some 500 constituencies.

The voting has been largely peaceful.

But there have been reports of clashes at a polling station in the Cadjehoun district of the Benin capital, Cotonou, between the police and supporters of the former president, Nicephore Soglo.

Mr Soglo is running for Mayor of Cotonou and his supporters said they were unhappy about the way the poll was being conducted.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service