John Kerry, left, Michel Martelly, right.

The United States Secretary of State John Kerry has urged Haitians to vote in this month’s presidential election and help “develop strong democratic institutions”.

During a brief stop in Haiti, Mr Kerry said the poll should be held “without violence and without intimidation”.

Mr Kerry said the 25 October vote must go ahead despite security concerns.

August’s parliamentary election was marred by violence, low turnout and fraud allegations.

Only a few candidates have been officially elected. New polls will need to be held in a number of constituencies.

Earlier planned elections had been cancelled in 2011 and 2014, prompting months of violent street protests against President Michel Martelly.

(BBC)