Angola ? Angola stumbled on the road to democracy Friday, with voters waiting for hours to take part in the first election in 16 years as ballot shortages and a lack of voting officials played havoc at the polls.

The voting follows one of Africa’s longest civil wars, including a resurgence of fighting set off by the last balloting in 1992. But the run-up to the election was relatively peaceful, and voters remained calm Friday despite disorganization and delays.

“Voting was a disaster in Luanda following woeful organization,” said Luisa Morgantini, chief of the EU observer mission monitoring the election. She added that the situation was better, though not problem-free, outside the capital.

The election result is expected next week, and President Jose Eduardo dos Santos is expected to retain control of parliament.