Togolese gov't warns of violence after presidential polls

The Togolese government warned on Sunday evening after the one-day presidential poll that any people conducting violence when the counting takes place will be subject to the court.

The Togolese Ministry of Interior said in a communique broadcast on radio "some incidents are recorded in some areas of Lome, the capital city, where some delegates of candidates and members of polling bureau are chased by force."

The ministry said it is "reminding of the different candidates and the political parties the recommendations of the Economical Community of West African State to abstain from any self proclamation (of victory)."

It said to let the operation of counting take place in calmness,all forms of rally on streets is forbidden, adding that "any arm show, any call to violence, any disorder to the public authority or to the execution of the electoral operations will be submitted to immediate suing."

According to the communique, the electoral operation during theday has occurred under the control of some 300 observers, who have noticed some of the incidents of violence.

In one polling center, the College Protestant, people were firing sulfuric acid into others' eyes, provoking clashes. Seriousclashes can also be seen in many regions like Hedzranawoe, where most foreigners live.

However, in the opposition's stronghold region Be, the situation is relatively stable.

The poll was called after Faure Gnassingbe failed to take over the helm of the country directly from his father after the latter's sudden death. Although backed by the army, the move was widely opposed by the international community and western African leaders.

Violent street protests, African sanctions and international outrage eventually persuaded Faure Gnassingbe to step down and he now runs in the polls as the official ruling Togolese People's Rally's candidate.

The polling centers closed at 5 p.m. (1700 GMT) and counting was immediately started in each station. The Togo's Independent Electoral Commission will in the night release preliminary resultsof each constituency, but it is not known when the final results will come out.