Election set-back for Ivorian president

The electoral authorities in Ivory Coast say publication of final results from municipal elections has been delayed until tomorrow.

The head of the national electoral commission, Honore Guei, said returns from some remote areas had not yet arrived.

With most votes now counted, the opposition Rally of the Republicans is polling strongly.

It boycotted presidential and parliamentary elections last year after its leader, Alassane Ouattara, was barred from standing.

The party has gained control of more than sixty councils so far -- almost twice as many as President Laurent Gbagbo's Popular Front.

The former ruling Democratic Party has won fifty-six councils and independent groups have taken thirty-five.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service