Voting is under way in Burkina Faso to elect a new president and parliament after a year of political turmoil, the BBC reported.

It is the first election since last year's popular uprising which toppled longstanding president Blaise Compaore.

Security is tight with up to 25,000 troops expected to be deployed across the country.

The vote was due to have been held last month but was delayed by a failed coup in September led by members of the elite presidential guard.

The election is meant to mark the end of the transitional period following Compaore's removal. Analysts say it could be the most open and democratic vote in the country's history.

Source: MENA