The South Korean parliament has voted to begin an independent investigation into allegations of fraud, involving the leading candidate in the presidential election. The conservative front runner Lee Myung-Bak denies involvement in a stock market manipulation case. From Seoul, here is John Sudworth.
"The issue has led to a full-blown punch up in parliament with the riot police called in as MPs took sides over a motion calling for a fresh investigation. But Mr. Lee has finally agreed to the appointment of an independent counsel to re-examine the matter and with his Grand National Party supporters abstaining the motion was passed. With less than two days to go before voting, the controversy seems unlikely to have a significant impact on his lead in the polls. "