Authorities began the arduous task Friday of tallying votes in Nepal's first election in nine years -- a historic vote meant to secure lasting peace in a land riven by communist insurgents and an autocratic king.
Scattered shootings and clashes that killed two people on election day Thursday -- and eight others in the days leading up to the poll -- did not deter millions of Nepalis from casting ballots.
The United Nations said the turnout was a display of "overwhelming enthusiasm" for the election that many hope will usher in a new era in this largely impoverished and often violent country.
International experts say it will be hard to sort out the results, and the behavior of the losers will determine whether Nepal sees peace or more bloodshed.
Scattered shootings and clashes that killed two people on election day Thursday -- and eight others in the days leading up to the poll -- did not deter millions of Nepalis from casting ballots.
The United Nations said the turnout was a display of "overwhelming enthusiasm" for the election that many hope will usher in a new era in this largely impoverished and often violent country.
International experts say it will be hard to sort out the results, and the behavior of the losers will determine whether Nepal sees peace or more bloodshed.
- added April 11, 2008
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