200808191996 | Zambian President Mwanawasa's health worsens

Zambian President Mwanawasa's health worsens

Lusaka - Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa's health has turned for the worse since sunday night. His vice president has said in a statement on Monday.

"Doctor Mwanawasa had been making steady progress until last night when his condition suddenly changed and required intervention," said Vice-President Rupiah Banda.

Mwanawasa had a second stroke during an African Union summit in Egypt in June and was flown to France where he has remained in hospital.

The Zambian health minister said earlier this month he was in a "stable but heavily sedated" condition.

Speculation that Mwanawasa, 59, may be unable to return to work has prompted demands that doctors examine him and decide whether he is fit to remain president.

If Parliament decides he is incapacitated, Mwanawasa could be forced to step down.

Banda would take over as acting president and elections would be called.