Haiti sets date for election results and second round amid alarms of foul-play

The preliminary results sparked days of unrest when the government-backed candidate narrowly edged a popular singer out of the second round run-off - following alarms raised by International monitors that the results were rigged.

Supposed to take place two weeks ago but was postponed because of the dispute, the date for the second round of elections has only been announced now – set for 20 March by Haiti's electoral council. The final results would be out on 31 March.

The new schedule was published on Friday after weeks of delays and rescheduling. Mirlande Manigat, a former first lady, won the first round on 28 November but it is not entirely clear who she will face in the run-off.

Preliminary results gave the government-backed Jude Celestin 7,000 more votes than pop star Michel Martelly but within hours, Martelly’s supports were rioting in the streets by supporters complaining of vote-rigging.

The incumbent President, Rene Preval called in a team of international monitors who found widespread fraud in Celestin's favor and recommended that he withdraw.

Under sustained international pressure, the ruling party, Inite, withdrew Celestin from the race earlier this week but the candidate himself has refused to confirm that he will not take part.

Furthermore, Washington has led warnings that Haiti must install a credible government or risk losing international aid and support.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton flies into Haiti on Sunday for talks with President Preval about the elections and about reconstructing the country after last year's devastating earthquake. The State Department says she will also meet election candidates in Haiti.