2 killed as blasts, gunfire mar presidential election

Leader to be chosen amid worst crisis since start of 12-year civil war; government promises fairness

A policeman and civilian were killed in overnight clashes hours before the start of Burundi's presidential elections, already hit by opposition boycotts and protests over President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to run for a third term.

Explosions and gunfire echoed around the capital before polling stations opened on Tuesday in a nation grappling with its worst crisis since its 12-year civil war ended in 2005. It has faced weeks of demonstrations, a failed coup and clashes between rebel soldiers and the army.