Ecuador's president, Rafael Correa, has urged the European Union not to recognise the elections Honduras is holding on Saturday.

President Correa is calling on the EU to take the same position as UNASUR, the union of South American countries. The United States has previously said it will recognise the poll's outcome. In response, Brazil announced Washington was risking worsened relations with South America.

Honduras's toppled President Manuel Zelaya is not standing in the elections. Most South American countries wanted to have seen him reinstated before the elections. Mr Zelaya's supporters are calling on voters to boycott the ballot. Amnesty International says it fears that Honduras' de facto government may use force to suppress possible opposition demonstrations.

Photo: Rafael Correa (EPA)