Counting begins after polls close in Burkina Faso

Ballot counting began in Burkina Faso on Sunday after polling stations closed at 6 p.m. local time following presidential and legislative elections.

President Roch Marc Christian Kabore is competing with 12 candidates for another five-year term.

Election and local government officials told The Associated Press that certain polling stations in the Center North, Sahel and East regions that were expected to open had not, and those that did had to close early because of the fear of attacks.

This election is a major test for the nation’s young democracy in the face of rising extremist attacks.

Burkina Faso experts say the violence and intimidation show how limited the authorities’ control and legitimacy really are.

Results are expected in the next 72 hours.