Morales leads Guatemala presidential vote but run-off looms

A political newcomer led Guatemala's presidential vote on Sunday, just days after the former president was felled in a corruption scandal, as early results showed actor Jimmy Morales on course to face a second-round run-off in October.

Television comedian and presidential candidate for the National Front of Convergence party Jimmy Morales, flashes the victory sign for photographers during a press conference at his party headquarters in Guatemala City. (AP) Source: AP

Guatemala's election authority said centrist Morales, 46, had 25.6 percent of the vote with 12.66 percent of ballots counted, while early favorite Manuel Baldizon, a conservative businessman, trailed with 21.2 percent.

Neither candidate was expected to breach the 50 percent threshold needed to avoid a run-off next month.

Otto Perez resigned as president on Thursday and was jailed while a judge weighs charging him over a customs racket. The affair has gutted his government and plunged the poor Central

American country into its worst political crisis in decades.