21.   Despite an opposition boycott, election officials reported a strong turnout in the capital, Brazzaville, and the interior.

22.   Despite strong opposition, his government has been praised for democratic reforms, and he had been expected to easily win reelection even without an opposition boycott.

23.   Despite strong opposition, his government has been praised for democratic reforms, and he had been expected to easily win re-election even without an opposition boycott.

24.   Fearing that an opposition boycott could turn violent, the government of President Paul Biya has stepped up security across Cameroon in the past few days.

25.   Fearing unrest, officials put soldiers in the capital on Wednesday to protect voters brave enough to defy the opposition boycott.

26.   His government has been praised for democratic reforms, and he had been expected to easily win re-election even without an opposition boycott.

27.   However, the opposition boycott is not total.

28.   Kaunda led an opposition boycott of the vote, which was won by Chiluba.

29.   Legislative elections started peacefully across the tiny West African nation of Gambia on Thursday amid an opposition boycott that has set the stage for a massive ruling party victory.

30.   Milosevic is now intent to make the opposition boycott look unjustified by toning down harassment of free media.