Residents in CAR north make the vote

Voters in Central African Republic's northern town of Kaga-Bandoro have made it to the polls for a constitutional referendum after threats of violence by militias prevented their participation on Sunday.

Demonstrators hold a placard reading "We want peace and the development of our country, we refuse war" at the airport in Bangui, as the President of the Central African Republic greets the current president of the African Union and President of Beni

Saad Ahmat Ali, a spokesperson for a pacifist branch of the former Muslim rebel alliance, said Tuesday that voter excitement is palpable. He said security has been strengthened by UN peacekeepers, and by midday there was no violence.

Muslim militia members threatened death for people who went to the polls Sunday to vote on a referendum meant to usher in stability. The vote is also seen as a test of whether national elections can take place December 27 after several delays.

At least two people were killed Sunday in the capital, where voting was also extended on Monday.