December 29, 2008	Monday	Zilhaj 30, 1429

ACCRA, Dec 28: Ghanaians voted to choose their president on Sunday in a close election run-off many hoped would salvage Africa’s battered democratic credentials, although some incidents of violence and ballot box snatching were reported.

The heated presidential contest pitted Nana Akufo-Addo, of the previously ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), against the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s John Atta Mills, after neither managed an outright win three weeks ago.

Counting was under way but full results were not expected before Tuesday at the earliest. Local media said turnout had appeared to be lower than the inconclusive Dec 7 first round.

Some analysts said a turnout higher than the 70 per cent recorded in the first round could favour the NPP’s Akufo-Addo, while a lower turnout — traditional in second rounds — could boost the chances of the NDC’s Mills.

A domestic election observer coalition, CODEO, reported cases of disorder, intimidation and even violence in several regions, but a senior police officer said none had been serious enough to close a polling station in the 230 constituencies.—Reuters