Rand slips in muted trade ahead of elections

South Africa's rand edged weaker early on Tuesday with traders taking a cautious stance, keeping volumes low ahead of local government elections on Wednesday.

By 0645 GMT rand 0.22 percent weaker at 13.9500 perdollar, little changed from its overnight close of 13.9190.  Increased dollar demand could pressure rand towards 14.00psychological mark.

* Traders see limited moves ahead of local elections onWednesday, U.S. Nonfarm payrolls on Friday.

* Local bourse to open lower at 0700 GMT, with the blue chipfutures index down 0.21 percent.

* Government bonds weaker, yield on 2026 benchmark up 0.5basis points to 8.685 percent.