Kosovo vote count

Counting began yesterday of ballots cast in a partial new vote for Kosovo's 120-seat Parliament ordered by top election authorities in five regions where fraud was committed in last year's general election.

Prime Minister Hashim Thaci's party came first in the December 12 poll, Kosovo's first general election since declaring independence from Serbia in 2008. But the new country's first general election was marred by widespread reports of fraud, ballot stuffing and voter intimidation.

Election authorities also ordered a recount of close to 40 per cent of the vote after candidates complained of vote theft and other irregularities.