Haitians line up in new attempt for democracy

Haitians jammed polling stations today as UN peacekeepers fanned out to guard the country's first presidential election in nearly six years, a vote widely viewed as a key step toward steering the bloodied, impoverished nation away from collapse.

"Haiti's future depends on this vote," said Jacques Bernard, director general of the electoral council.

Poll workers were slow to open the doors at some stations, the lines were long and someone stole a batch of ballots, but there were no reports of violence, said David Wimhurst, a UN spokesman.

"So it's going well far," Wimhurst said.

"Haitians are mobilised for change, that's why there's so many people in the street this morning," said Jean Joseph, 44, on his way to vote.

Rene Preval, a 63-year-old agronomist, is the front-runner, according to opinion polls.

Other top contenders are Charles Henri Baker, 50, whose family runs factories, and Leslie Manigat, 75, who was president for five months in 1988 until the army ousted him.