Protesters gather in Ohio to support US presidential recount

About 400 protesters gathered outside the Ohio Statehouse yesterday to support a recount of the presidential election in the state and call for an investigation into election-day irregularities.

Speakers addressing the crowd alleged that many voters were the victims of a fraud in which votes intended for Senator John Kerry were given to President Bush.

"I would like to welcome you to the Ukraine," said Susan Truitt, referring to the election difficulties in that country.

A federal judge in Columbus ruled that a recount might proceed if two minority party candidates who sued can pay for it. Green and Libertarian party officials say they can.

A recount would probably not begin before December 13, when Ohio's 20 electoral votes are officially counted.