The vote count began in the evening after polling stations closed, sometimes by candlelight

This year provides an intriguing opportunity to see what will happen given the renewed partnership agreements with other regional blocs such as the EU

The former leader was also stripped of the right to vote and hold public office and his property and assets were confiscated for the public purse

The arrest of a top opposition leader has plunged the Indian Ocean islands into chaos once again

​Burdened by a long history of turbulence, the Indian Ocean archipelago risks renewed unrest