The people of the island of Anjouan in the Indian Ocean appear to have rejected a plan to rejoin the federation of the Comoro Islands.

With well over half the votes counted after Sunday's referendum, the electoral commission says more than 90% voted against the agreement that would have seen Anjouan return to a looser federation, with greater autonomy than before.

Anjouan declared independence in August 1997, but has received no international recognition.

The separatist authorities in Anjouan had campaigned hard for a rejection of the accord. Those in favour of the plan complained of intimidation.

The peace accord reached in Antananarivo last April was backed by the Organisation of African Unity, which had given Anjouan until 1 February to sign up to it.

Under the agreement:

• The Federal Islamic Republic of the Comoros would be renamed the Union of Comoros Islands.
• Each of the three islands - Grand Comore, Anjouan and Moheli - would have its own local executive and parliament after a one-year transition period.
• The islands would have a three-year rotating presidency.
• The union would be responsible for sovereignty, defence, the currency, most aspects of foreign affairs, some aspects of education, and scientific research.

The OAU has threatened sanctions if the island fails to sign the accord.

A BBC correspondent in Anjouan says people are now waiting anxiously to see what will happen when that deadline expires.