International observers have predicted problems in the US presidential election with new voting machines and warn the result could again be delayed.
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe observers issued a report this week on preparations for the November 2nd vote, after a visit earlier this month.
The group highlighted concerns over the machines, voter eligibility rules and allegations of intimidation aimed at lowering the turnout of ethnic minorities. Its warning came four years after a disputed count determined who won the White House.
"In general, the nationwide replacement of voting equipment, inspired by the disputes witnessed during the 2000 elections, primarily in Florida, may potentially become a source of even greater controversy during the forthcoming elections," the group said in the report which was posted to its website (www.osce.org/odihr).
Many new machines do not produce a paper ballot that would be needed in the case of a manual recount, the observers, who were invited by the Bush administration, said.
Uneven application of rules on provisional ballots - which can be cast even when the voter's eligibility is unclear - "may cause post-election disputes and litigation, potentially delaying the announcement of final results," they added.
With polls showing this year's election between Mr Bush and Democrat Senator John Kerry could be tight in several states, civil rights groups have raised concern that voters could be disenfranchised and the 2000 debacle could be repeated.
The OSCE, which groups 55 countries, will publish an unprecedented report of its observations after November 2nd, although it will not judge the overall fairness of the vote.
"We are very proud of our election system . . . we are happy to open up our elections for people to observe, comment, offer advice maybe even learn something," a senior State Department official said.