Dominicans vote in race seen favouring Fernandez

Santo Domingo: Dominicans vote in a presidential election on Friday in which incumbent Leonel Fernandez is heavily favoured to win a third term.

Nearly six million people are registered to vote. Heavy turnout of voters is expected.

Fernandez faces accusations that he used government funds in his campaign. He needs to win at least 50 per cent of the votes to avoid a runoff with main opponent Miguel Vargas Maldonado.

Three people, including a former congressman, were shot and killed in pre-election violence on Wednesday, hours before the formal end to campaigning.