ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- Presidential results from the first open elections in the Ivory Coast since independence in 1960 are delayed because of political squabbling, observers said.
Supporters of opposition candidate Alassane Ouattara blame incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo for blocking the announcement of the results. Gbagbo backers claim there was rampant fraud in the rebel-held north where Ouattara draws support, the BBC reports.
French officials, who maintain close ties to the former colony, called on authorities to publish the official results by Wednesday.
Both sides blame the other for fraud. Independent observers, however, said any irregularities at the polls weren't enough to skew the outcome in what is expected to be a tight race.
U.N. officials said they were "encouraged" by the voting so far but warned the two leading candidates not to resort to "undemocratic means" when considering the results.
Violence erupted when supporters of Gbagbo protested when military leader Robert Guei declared himself the winner in 2000 elections.
At least six people were killed in election-related violence during the weekend.
