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Haiti election: Voting in delayed elections amid tight security Haiti election: Violence mars voting in delayed poll
(about 11 hours later)
Haitians are voting in legislative elections that have been repeatedly delayed since 2011, in a test of stability for the impoverished nation. Haitians have been voting in long-delayed parliamentary elections, but the vote has been marred by sporadic violence and lengthy delays.
Police have been deployed as voters choose two-thirds of the senate and the chamber of deputies. Three polling stations in the capital Port-au-Prince had to close after fights broke out.
A presidential poll is set for October. Voters at other stations grew frustrated after they opened late.
President Michel Martelly, who is constitutionally barred from running again, has ruled by decree since January. The opposition accuse him of abusing his powers. The elections had been repeatedly postponed since 2011, with President Michel Martelly ruling by decree since January.
'Major test' The opposition accuse Mr Martelly, who is constitutionally barred from running again, of abusing his powers.
Polling stations across Haiti opened at 06:00 local time (10:00 GMT) and will close at 16:00.
Nearly six million eligible voters are choosing 119 deputies and 20 senators from more than 1,800 candidates registered from different political parties.Nearly six million eligible voters are choosing 119 deputies and 20 senators from more than 1,800 candidates registered from different political parties.
The run-off round will be held on 25 October - the same day as the presidential election. An unidentified gang threw bottles and stones at one polling station in Port-au-Prince, forcing the suspension of voting. Local media reported on other closures across the country.
Several people have been killed since campaigning for Sunday's poll opened in July. After casting his vote, Mr Martelly was quoted as saying by the Associated Press: "I hope that the election officials are better organised for the presidential elections in October."
Haiti's police are being helped by UN police and peacekeepers to ensure safety during the voting. Polls were due to close at 16:00 local time (20:00 GMT).
A run-off round will be held on 25 October - the same day as the presidential election.
Several people have been killed in the run up to Sunday's poll.
Haiti's police have been helped by UN police and peacekeepers to ensure safety during the voting.
"These elections will be a major test for October," said Pierre Esperance, who heads the National Human Rights Defence Network."These elections will be a major test for October," said Pierre Esperance, who heads the National Human Rights Defence Network.
Haiti's parliament was dissolved in January over its failure to hold elections, leaving Haiti without a functioning government.Haiti's parliament was dissolved in January over its failure to hold elections, leaving Haiti without a functioning government.
Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, and is still struggling with the legacy of the devastating 2010 earthquake.Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, and is still struggling with the legacy of the devastating 2010 earthquake.