Preval hints at staying on as Haitian president

Haitian president Rene Preval has warned that it would be unwise to replace him with a transitional government if the country's election crisis is not sorted out before his mandate expires on February 7.



President Preval's comments, which come in the wake of disputed presidential elections, have raised the possibility he may seek an emergency three-month extension to his mandate.



That course was mooted by his government earlier this year.



Last month's chaotic first round was carried out amid widespread allegations of fraud and the disenfranchisement of thousands of people.



He has delayed publication of the final results until an international probe has been carried out.