The headquarters of the ruling party in Haiti has been set on fire by protesters angry about the results of presidential elections.
Thousands of people took to the streets of Port-au-Prince after the first round results were released late on Tuesday.
They accuse the ruling party of rigging the first round in favour of its candidate, Jude Celestin.
He finished just ahead of pop star Michel Martelly, who looks likely to miss out on the run-off.
The former first lady Mirlande Manigat won 31% of the vote and Mr Celestin 22%. Mr Martelly polled just over 21% – about 6,800 votes short of Mr Celestin.
Demonstrations erupted in several cities soon after the results were announced, and in Port-au-Prince supporters of Mr Martelly started fires and set up barricades.
The protests surged again early on Wednesday. Witnesses said black smoke filled the air in areas where Mr Martelly’s support was strongest.
Foreign aid workers said the Haitian national police were slow to respond, and that some officers were refusing to report for duty following the election results.
Most observers say the first round of the voting was grossly mismanaged.
The close result has led to calls that Mr Martelly also be included in the run-off.
A joint mission from the Organisation of American States and the Caribbean Community has said officials could consider putting a third candidate if the vote is nearly tied.
Mr Martelly had said he would not accept a place in the run-off if Mr Celestin is present.
He has until 10 December to appeal. (BBC)



