Republic of Congo holds election

Some 40 parties are boycotting the poll.

People have voted in the second round of parliamentary elections in the Republic of Congo.

No incidents were reported. Local and international observers criticised the conduct of the first round in June.

Turnout is said to have been low in the second, although a government commission said it had made changes to ensure voting goes more smoothly.

The opposition accuses the government of President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of organising a "masquerade".

The poll was boycotted by some 40 parties. They claim it is aimed at shoring up Mr Sassou-Nguesso, who has ruled the country for most of the past 28 years.

Of the 53 members of parliament elected in the first round, from a total of 137, three were members of the opposition.

Results are not expected before the end of the week.