There is provided a speech encoder for performing an algorithm that comprises obtaining (205) a plurality of open-loop pitch candidates from a current frame of a speech signal, the plurality of open-loop pitch candidates including a first open-loop pitch candidate and a second open-loop pitch candidate; obtaining (205) a voicing information from one or more previous frames; and selecting (280) one of the plurality of open-loop pitch candidates as a final pitch of the current frame using the voicing information from the one or more previous frames. In one aspect, the voicing information from the one or more previous frames includes a previous pitch of the one or more previous frames. In a further aspect, selecting the final pitch of the current frame includes selecting (210) an initial open-loop pitch from that has the maximum long-term correlation value.