Observers in Bolivia call to respect the upcoming election results

International observers on Friday called on candidates and political forces in Bolivia to respect the result of the country's upcoming presidential election.

The leading contenders of Sunday's poll are former Economy Minister Luis Arce, who led an extended boom under ousted President Evo Morales, and former President Carlos Mesa. a centrist historian and journalist who appeared to finish second to Morales in last year's annulled vote.

Ahead of the weekend's election, Arce met with United Nations electoral observer Jean Arnault in La Paz and also with the centrist candidate Mesa.

During his meeting with Arce, Arnault said that "preventing improper acts" and "acts of violence" would be a high priority for observers on polling day.

Arnault made the comments a day after police were forced to break up violent clashes between supporters and opponents of the mayor of Cochabamba.

The city's mayor had been suspended after he was accused of corruption.

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