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Zambian challenger admits defeat Violence as Zambia awaits results
(20 minutes later)
Zambian opposition leader Michael Sata has admitted he is heading for defeat in general elections, although he says there was widespread fraud. Armed police have clashed with Zambian opposition supporters for a second day as final elections results are due.
The army has deployed to quell a second day of protests by his supporters. Police fired tear gas at stone-throwing protesters, while soldiers sealed off some areas of the capital, Lusaka.
"Once Mwanawasa is declared the winner, I will congratulate him for successfully stealing the vote," he said, adding he would not appeal. Opposition leader Michael Sata has admitted he is heading for defeat, although he says President Levy Mwanawasa's victory was "stolen".
President Levy Mwanawasa has 43% of votes counted, while Mr Sata has 28%, with most results declared. Mr Sata has asked the election commission for a recount, after early results had showed he was leading.
Police fired teargas in several poor townships around the capital, Lusaka, where Mr Sata has a lot of support. There were also protests in the Copperbelt. The secretary general of Mr Sata's Patriotic Front party, Guy Scott, told the BBC's Focus on Africa programme he was confident that a recount would show that Mr Sata had won the election.
Mr Sata warned he would make life difficult for Mr Mwanawasa. President Levy Mwanawasa has 43% of votes counted, while Mr Sata has 28%, with results from 135 of 150 constituencies.
INTERIM RESULTS Levy Mwanawasa: 43%Michael Sata: 28%Hakainda Hichilema: 27%135/150 constituencies counted Source: Electoral Commission In pictures: Election protests INTERIM RESULTS Levy Mwanawasa: 43%Michael Sata: 28%Hakainda Hichilema: 27%135/150 constituencies counted Source: Electoral Commission In pictures: Election protests Hakainda Hichilema of the United Democratic Alliance, has 27% and has also complained of irregularities and says he has passed evidence to the Electoral Commission.
"I will go back to the people and thank them for their support but I will put up a big battle inside parliament and outside parliament," he said. There were also violent clashes in the Copperbelt town of Kitwe, where Mr Sata is popular.
Mr Sata urged his supporters to refrain from violence but warned he would make life difficult for Mr Mwanawasa.
"Once Mwanawasa is declared the winner, I will congratulate him for successfully stealing the vote," he said.
"I will go back to the people and thank them for their support but I will put up a big battle inside parliament and outside parliament."
His supporters started protesting on Sunday, after Mr Sata's early lead was wiped away as results from rural areas were declared.His supporters started protesting on Sunday, after Mr Sata's early lead was wiped away as results from rural areas were declared.
Some businesses and banks were closed on Monday after a second day of clashes in Lusaka despite Mr Mwanawasa's appeal for calm.
Clashes
With results in from 135 of 150 constituencies, the electoral commission said that President Mwanawasa of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy had just over 43% of the vote.
The Patriotic Front's Mr Sata had 28%, while another opposition candidate, Hakainda Hichilema of the United Democratic Alliance, had 27%.
There is no need for a candidate to gain 50% of the ballot - whoever gains the most votes is the winner.There is no need for a candidate to gain 50% of the ballot - whoever gains the most votes is the winner.
As the interim results were announced on Sunday, supporters of Mr Sata began to protest outside Lusaka's main vote counting centre. Contrast
Armed police moved in to disperse them, firing teargas and making arrests.
Patriotic Front (PF) supporters then set up roadblocks with burning tyres and fought with police in several outlying areas.
Too long
PF Secretary General Guy Scott denied that his party had incited violence.
"The people who have been inciting violence are the people who have robbed the electorate," he told the BBC's Network Africa programme.
Protesters clashed with police in several areas of LusakaHe said it was not worth lodging legal complaints, as the process would take too long.
"We want a clean election now," he said.
Electoral Commission spokesman Crispin Akufuna said: "They should specify the case they have identified and we will follow up on that."
Electoral Commission President Justice Ireen Mambilima said she had received complaints from both the Patriotic Front and the United Democratic Alliance.Electoral Commission President Justice Ireen Mambilima said she had received complaints from both the Patriotic Front and the United Democratic Alliance.
Mr Sata has said as many as 400,000 votes appear not to have been counted in areas where he expected to do well. Protesters clashed with police in several areas of LusakaMr Sata has said as many as 400,000 votes appear not to have been counted in areas where he expected to do well.
The violence and allegations of irregularities contrast with the voting on Thursday, which international observers praised as being generally efficient and transparent.The violence and allegations of irregularities contrast with the voting on Thursday, which international observers praised as being generally efficient and transparent.
Officials said the turnout from Zambia's four million registered voters was high.Officials said the turnout from Zambia's four million registered voters was high.
Mr Mwanawasa's campaign for a second and final five-year term was based on his strong economic record.Mr Mwanawasa's campaign for a second and final five-year term was based on his strong economic record.
But revival in the crucial copper sector is slow, unemployment is high and there is concern over health and education standards.But revival in the crucial copper sector is slow, unemployment is high and there is concern over health and education standards.
Mr Sata had vowed to secure a more equitable distribution of wealth if elected.Mr Sata had vowed to secure a more equitable distribution of wealth if elected.
Mr Mwanawasa's 2001 victory was marred by widespread allegations of fraud.Mr Mwanawasa's 2001 victory was marred by widespread allegations of fraud.