In Afghanistan, supporters of presidential candidate Ashraf Ghani celebrated in Kabul late on Monday night after preliminary results gave the former finance minister a clear poll lead.

The second round run-off has been marred by allegations of fraud.

Despite that, the country’s electoral commission said early counting showed Ghani had taken more than 56 percent of the vote.

The final result is not due until July 22nd with the presidential poll’s organisers warning the tally may change with more fraud checks pending.

Ghani’s rival Abdullah Abdullah angrily rejected the preliminary count, describing it as a ‘‘coup’‘.

Abdullah’s supporters claim widespread vote rigging and there are fears his rejection could divide the country along ethnic lines and even lead to a succession crisis.

In a blunt warning, Secretary of State John Kerry has said ‘‘any action to take power by extra-legal means will cost Afghanistan the financial and security support of the United States.’‘