By AFPMore by this AuthorBENIThousands of voters, weary from frequent armed attacks and an ongoing Ebola outbreak, proudly cast ballots in a northeastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo -- even though they will count for nothing. Citing security and health fears, the country's national electoral commission (CENI) blocked the cities of Beni and Butembo from taking part in Sunday's presidential, legislative and provincial elections. But determined to have a taste of much-delayed democracy in the troubled country, many turned out at makeshift polling stations for a staged vote. "The city of Beni is in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we can not deprive ourselves of the right to vote," said one resident who gave his name as Manix. "We have taken all necessary measures of protection," said Beni resident Kitonga Benshirak, referring to the highly infectious virus Ebola.

Source: Daily Nation December 31, 2018 08:48 UTC