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Opposition backers shot in Sudan | Opposition backers shot in Sudan |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Two supporters of a defeated candidate in Sudan have been shot dead by police during demonstrations. | |
The protests followed the announcement that the ruling party in Southern Sudan retained the key governorship of the oil-rich Unity state. | The protests followed the announcement that the ruling party in Southern Sudan retained the key governorship of the oil-rich Unity state. |
Four others were injured in the clash after police opened fire on the crowd in the state capital, Bentiu. | |
It is the first serious violence reported since the election results have begun to be announced. | |
The elections were the first multi-party polls in 24 years, but have been marred by irregularities and alleged fraud. | |
A radio announcement on Friday said incumbent Taban Deng, the official candidate of the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), had defeated independent candidate Angelina Teny. | |
The results triggered a clash between supporters of Ms Teny and security forces. | |
Ms Teny ran as an independent candidate, but is also a member of the SPLM and married to Riek Machar, south Sudan's vice-president. | |
Dispute | |
The BBC's James Copnall in Khartoum says the incident reveals a real split within the SPLM. | |
Our correspondent also says the Unity state has huge strategic importance because of its oil reserves and its location on the North-South border. | |
Foreign observers say the polls failed to meet international standards | |
The elections commission ruled that Ms Teny was defeated by more than 70,000 votes, but her supporters claim the result is fraudulent. | |
"Angelina Teny was leading by a difference of 24,000 votes and she was supposed to be announced the winner," Yohanis Pouk, Ms Teny's campaign spokesperson, told AFP. | |
"So we were shocked when Taban Deng announced himself the winner on radio." | |
A security official told Reuters that protesters had been trying to destroy a local radio station. | |
The official, who wanted to remain anonymous, said police guarding the building had opened fire in self-defence. | |
Tensions are high across the country as results slowly come in from 11-15 April polls. | |
Results so far, mainly from the north of the country, show President Omar al-Bashir's party has a strong lead. | |
President Bashir is widely expected to be re-elected, while the SLPM are likely to hold onto power in the semi-autonomous south. | |
Final results are expected on Sunday. |
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