YAOUNDE, March 13 (Xinhuanet) -- Voters of the Central African Republic went to the polling stations Sunday to elect the country's president and parliament two years after a coup, said news reports from Bangui, capital of the former French colony.

    About 4,500 polling stations opened at 6 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) and closed at 4 p.m. (1500 GMT) for the country's 1.8 millioneligible voters. Initial results are expected Monday.

    People hoped the elections will end the instability of the country, which has experienced 10 coups or attempted rebellions since its independence from France in 1960.

    Incumbent President Francois Bozize, who overthrew former President Ange-Felix Patasse in a coup in 2003, was seen as a front-runner among the 11 presidential candidates. Other hopefuls included former military ruler Andre Kolingba and former Prime Minister Martin Ziguele. Meanwhile, more than 700 people raced forthe 105 seats of the parliament.

    The Organization of French-Speaking Nations (La Francophonie) has sent more than 20 observers to monitor the elections in the country with a population of 3.6 million. Enditem