Peru election struggle

Mr Fujimori was warned to ensure fair elections

Peru is facing the threat of renewed political protests following the rejection of a demand by opposition presidential candidate Alejandro Toledo for the second round of the election to be postponed.

Mr Toledo, who is standing against President Alberto Fujimori, says that he will not take part in the scheduled poll on 28 May because of what he called an unfair advantage for the serving president.

Instead, Mr Toledo wants the election to be put back to mid-June to give time for elections conditions to improve.

The president is not backing down

But President Fujimori says that the run off will go ahead as planned.

"All Peru's citizens have a clear idea that the second round will be held on May 28 because the constitution stipulates it," he said.

The National Election Board has also rejected Mr Toledo's petition.

After the ruling, the opposition leader - a free marketeer noted for his fiery rhetoric - urged supporters to take to the streets in protest on Friday to "defend democracy".

Irregularities

Mr Toledo demanded the postponement to resolve irregularities, from media bias to bug-plagued computers.

These problems prompted the Organisation of American States (OAS) to warn on Thursday that it might withdraw its backing for the poll.

Mr Toledo is calling the election unfair

The OAS too is demanding a postponement, to allow more time to deal with irregularities and logistical problems.

It is not clear what will happen if the election does go ahead with Mr Fujimori as the sole candidate.

This is the latest development in an election which has become one of the most controversial in Peru's recent history.

In April's first round of voting, Mr Fujimori was just short of outright victory, amid widespread allegations of ballot rigging in his favour.

The president promised to improve conditions.

But any changes made have not been enough to satisfy Alejandro Toledo.