A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Uneventful vote in Chad despite delays
INDAMINE – Chad’s first parliamentary election in eight years went ahead smoothly yesterday despite some delays in voting, observers said of a poll that will test President Doris Debts grip on the oil- producing African state.
Past attempts to stage the election have failed because of the insecurity that has plagued the former French colony since independence. Mr Debt, who came to power in a 1990 coup, is expected to stand for re-election in April.
“From our observations, we have not seen any irregularities specifically aimed at fraud,” Louis Michel, head of the EU observer mission, told a news conference, noting many voting stations opened up to two hours later than scheduled.
The vote pits Mr Debts ruling Patriotic Salvation Movement, which has a strong parliamentary majority, against candidates from the main opposition coalition CBC. – (Reuters)
Elizabeth Taylor hospitalised
LOS ANGELES – Film-star Elizabeth Taylor (78) has been taken to hospital with congestive heart failure. Her spokeswoman, Sally Morrison, said the Oscar-winning actress was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre within the past couple of days.
Ms Taylor is being treated for symptoms caused by congestive heart failure, a condition she disclosed she had back in November 2004.
Ms Morrison said it is unknown how long she might be in the hospital.
Ms Taylor had been scheduled to attend an amfAR benefit gala in New York, where she was to receive an award alongside President Bill Clinton and designer Diane von Furstenberg, celebrating their dedication to Aids research.
However, she missed the event, and Elton John accepted the honour on her behalf. – (AP)