Janet Jagan still ahead in Guyana poll

Officials in Guyana in South America say that with half the votes now counted from Monday's general election, the governing People's Progressive Party led by Janet Jagan is still in the lead.

But in a television and radio broadcast, the head of the Elections Commission Doodnauth Singhwarned candidates for the presidency against making premature claims of victory.

Mrs Jagan's party was expected to draw most support from members of the Asian community.

Her main opponent, Desmond Hoyte of the People's National Congress, was likely to fare better among black voters.

Correspondents say there's been some concern about the amount of time the count is taking, and the police have called on people to remain calm.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service