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ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) An Ivory Coast election official says this month's presidential vote will not occur as planned.

Robert Beugre, the president of the electoral commission, says the Nov. 29 election will be delayed at least two months.

The country's elections have been delayed every year since 2005, when President Laurent Gbagbo finished his last term. The country slipped briefly into civil war but a peace deal was struck that was meant to pave the way toward elections.

Beugre said Wednesday more than 5 million voters have been cleared to take part in the election, representing 83 percent of the electorate. But he said the election commission needs to clarify the eligibility of at least 1 million others who have applied to vote.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-11-09 1528CST | save this article / add to your favorites list