Haiti's transitional government has set new dates for the country's parliamentary and presidential elections.

The country's electoral council says the first round of voting will take place February 7, followed by a second round March 19 if necessary.

The polls have been postponed four times because of Haiti's security problems and delays in setting up polling stations and voter registration cards.

The elections are designed to replace the interim government installed after the rebellion that forced President Jean-Bertrand Aristide into exile two years ago.

Interim Prime Minister Gerard Latortue has said he plans to step down on February 7, the new date for the elections' first round.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and AP.