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Burkina Faso to close borders during presidential polls

Xinhua, November 27, 2015 Adjust font size:

Burkina Faso will close its borders on Sunday during the presidential and legislative elections that are being organized amid security challenges, an official has said.

Security Minister Alain Jean Claude Zagre announced that at a press conference on Thursday, adding security officers were ready to perform their mandate during the elections.

The security officers will secure the polling stations, tallying centers, observers and transportation of ballot papers, he said.

"We intend to prevent and act fast against any bad thing. Measures have been taken to ensure the worst does not happen on the voting day," he added.

Over 5.5 million Burkinabes are expected to cast their votes to choose a new president and 127 members of parliament.

The elections were scheduled for Oct. 11, but were delayed after a coup attempt by presidential guards loyal to former President Blaise Compaore to overturn the interim government.

Compaore was forced to step down last October amid protests against his bid to extend his 27-year term.

Fourteen candidates will contest the presidency. Endit