Roch Marc Christian Kabore elected Burkina Faso president Published duration 1 December 2015

image copyright AFP image caption Mr Kabore was a key figure in the former regime but was against a third term for

Roch Marc Christian Kabore has won presidential elections in Burkina Faso, the electoral commission says.

Mr Kabore, a former prime minister, secured 53.5% of the vote on Sunday after months of political unrest.

It was the first election since last year's popular uprising which toppled longstanding President Blaise Compaore.

The vote was due to have been held last month but was delayed by a failed coup in September led by members of the elite presidential guard.

Mr Compaore, 64, is now living in exile in neighbouring Ivory Coast.

The Independent National Electoral Commission says Mr Kabore, 58, won the elections outright, and there is no need to hold a second round.

It says his main rival, former Economy and Finance Minister Zephirin Diabre, gained 21.6% of the vote.

Mr Diabre has already congratulated Mr Kabore, according to the AFP news agency.

Mr Kabore served as chairman of the ruling Congress for Democracy and Progress party (CDP) before leaving it in 2014, after opposing plans to extend Mr Compaore's rule.

Analysis: Abdourahmane Dia, BBC French service

image copyright AFP image caption Mr Kabore (centre) was prime minister under former strongman Blaise Compaore

Mr Kabore, a 58-year-old former banker and prime minister, was once a faithful ally of Mr Compaore so some will see his victory as a continuation of the former regime.

However, many agree that during his brief stay in the opposition - which was less than two years - he won the hearts of the people of Burkina Faso by fiercely campaigning against Mr Compaore's bid to change the constitution and run for a third term.

Along with civil society groups, the party Mr Kabore formed after breaking away from Mr Compare was the driving force behind the popular protests which forced the then-ruler out of office.

As prime minister, his main goal for the next five years will be to consolidate democracy and, equally importantly, help end the economic crisis in one of the world's poorest nations.

On Sunday, long queues were reported outside many polling stations.

Security was tight with up to 25,000 troops and police deployed across the country. Foreign observers oversaw the poll.

image copyright Reuters image caption Mr Kabore's supporters were ecstatic after his victory was announced

image copyright AP image caption Many people took to the streets to celebrate

image copyright AP image caption The election has raised hopes that Burkina Faso has achieved stability

Mr Compaore was forced from office by street protests in October 2014 over his plans to serve another five-year term. He had been in power for 27 years.

A transitional government was installed but the country was thrown into turmoil again in September when members of the elite presidential guard led a short-lived coup.