Electoral officials said nearly 80% turned out to vote on Sunday, the Associated Press news agency reports.

The race for a place in the run-off is close, it adds, with Mr Baldizon ahead of Ms Torres by fewer than 800 votes.

As well as a new president, Guatemalans were voting for a vice-president, a new congress and local authorities.

Many had called for the polls to be postponed in the wake of the allegations.

"Guatemala wants change and to not be governed by people with dark pasts," said Mr Morales after voting near Guatemala City.

"Guatemala wants to live in peace. Guatemala wants elections," Mr Baldizon told journalists after casting his vote.