Few problems seen in Ghana's election

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ACCRA, Ghana, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- It should take about three days for election officials in Ghana to announce the winners, an election official said following what's seen as a peaceful vote.

Voters in Ghana are choosing between incumbent President John Mahama and challenger Nana Afuko-Addo in what the BBC describes as a close race. The election includes a parliamentary contest.

The BBC reports that most concerns Friday were related to a slow-moving voting process but there were few reports to suggest the vote was anything but peaceful.

Election commission leader Kwadwo Afari-Gyan told the BBC, at worst, voting would extend into the weekend.

"If everything is normal and goes smoothly, we give ourselves 72 hours (to announce the result)," he said.

A second round of voting is scheduled for Dec. 28 should no candidate emerge with a majority. At least 5,000 soldiers are on standby in the event of violence.

Ghana's economy is being revitalized by recent oil discoveries there.