Preliminary results from Afghanistan's presidential election are due to be announced, three weeks after the vote was held.

Earlier partial results put former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah ahead with 43.8% of votes cast, short of the 50% needed to avoid a run-off.

Final official results are due to be announced on 14 May after a period for adjudication of complaints.

Incumbent President Hamid Karzai is barred from standing for a third term. Eight candidates are vying to succeed him.

If none gains more than 50%, a second round between the two frontrunners is scheduled for 28 May.

Saturday's announcement will come two days after full preliminary results were expected to have been declared.

(BBC)