THE RAPTURE:

Huge crowds greet Togolese exile (BBC, 4/16/05)

Togo's exiled opposition leader has received a rapturous reception on a visit to the country's capital, Lome, ahead of presidential elections.

Gilchrist Olympio, who has lived in exile since an assassination attempt in 1992, is ineligible for this election.

He confirmed that his deputy, Bob Akitani, would stand in the poll, due to take place next Sunday.