Former Malian Prime Minister Ahead as Election Results Come in

First election since French-led intervention

Mali's ex-Prime Minister Ibrahim Boubakar Keita has a clear lead over his rivals in presidential elections intended to restore democratic rule, the government has said.

Former Finance Minister Soumaila Cisse was in second place after about a third of votes were counted, it added.

Mr Cisse's camp rejected the result, calling for an international commission to count ballots cast in Monday's poll.

Mali was hit by a coup and an Islamist-led insurgency last year.

France sent more than 4,000 troops in January to regain control of northern towns and cities from al-Qaeda-linked militants.