DHAKA: The Afghan presidential election will go to a second round, after no candidate reached the 50% needed for an outright win, preliminary results show.

Former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah won most votes with 44.9%. Former World Bank economist Ashraf Ghani came second with 31.5%.

They are now expected to face a run-off vote on 28 May, reports the BBC.

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

The BBC in Kabul says there are increasing claims of fraud.

Full preliminary results were due two days ago.

The delay has fuelled allegations on all sides that ballot boxes were stuffed and the count was rigged, it reports.

BDST: 1950 HRS, APR 27, 2014