Latest interim results in Haiti's election suggest the presidential race will go to a second, run-off round.
Haitians must sit and wait for the outcome of the election
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Former President Rene Preval, a one-time ally of ousted
leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide, is now polling 50.2% with half the votes
counted.
Mr Preval needs at least 50% to avoid a run-off. His supporters are alleging fraud after seeing his share dropped from over 60%.
But international observers say the poll was free and fair.
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I really hope there isn't a second round because it will mean the election results were fiddled with and there will be trouble
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Another ex-leader, Leslie Manigat, has 11.4%, while industrialist Charles Henry Baker has 8.3%, latest results show.
The country - the poorest in the Americas - is choosing a 129-member parliament as well as a new president.
The election process has so far been peaceful but the
news of a possible second round could bring fresh instability, says the
BBC's Claire Marshall in the capital, Port-au-Prince.
"We all voted for Preval. I really hope there isn't a
second round because it will mean the election results were fiddled
with and there will be trouble," one woman in an impoverished slum,
where Preval enjoys strong support, told the BBC.
Warning over Aristide
Charles Henry Baker has also alleged fraud, claiming
some people were allowed to vote more than once because voter lists
were not followed.
International observers say there were some minor
procedural irregularities during Tuesday's voting but have deemed the
election free and fair.
Rene Preval has seen his lead reduced
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The US State Department has also declared the voting process free from fraud.
"The key here is that there is a high turnout. The
Haitian people invested in this election process," state department
spokesman Sean McCormack said.
However, in an implicit warning to Mr Preval - who once
had strong links with Mr Aristide - the spokesman said the US expects
the deposed leader to remain in exile in South Africa.
Mr Preval has told the BBC Mr Aristide may return if he
wishes, although he would not tolerate the violent groups that have
pledged allegiance to him.
In one positive sign, a prominent gang leader declared
that his group would lay down their guns if Mr Preval - seen as the
champion of the poor - becomes president.
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