CAR president faces run-off vote

Bozize (r) was roundly condemned when he seized power

President Francois Bozize has failed to win an outright victory in the Central African Republic's presidential vote.

The election commission said Gen Bozize secured nearly 43% of the votes in the 13 March election - not enough to avoid a run-off on 1 May.

His main rival - former prime minister Martin Ziguele - received 23.5%.

Gen Bozize seized power two years ago in a coup that was condemned internationally, but he has gradually gained approval at home.

The vote was described by most observers as successful and democratic - with large numbers taking part across the country.

Mr Bozize described the election at the time as "a novel event in the Central African Republic".

The CAR has a history of coups and army mutinies, as well as endemic corruption, and remains one of Africa's least developed nations.

Third-placed Andre Kolingba, who himself ruled for 12 years after a coup, secured 16% of the vote. His spokesman repeated allegations that the vote was flawed and suggested he could play kingmaker in the run-off.

"It is obvious that none of the candidates can pretend to win without support from our party," said Gaston King Mahoutou.