200811012242 | Zambia election free, fair - SADC

Zambia election free, fair - SADC

Lusaka - The Southern African Development Community (SADC) declared on Saturday that Zambia's presidential election was free and fair, despite claims of vote rigging by the opposition. "It is SADC's overall view that the elections were conducted in an open, transparent and professional manner," said John Kunene, who headed the SADC observer team to Zambia.

SADC also urged opposition candidates who have alleged vote fraud in Thursday's poll to formally take up their complaints with authorities.

"No acts of intimidation were observed or reported countrywide," Kunene said.

"SADC pleaded with the different political parties to follow the relevant institutions in Zambia to address any grievances," he added.

The 15-nation bloc "commends the Electoral Commission of Zambia for the professional management of the recently concluded elections and commitment to produce credible and legitimate electoral results," Kunene said.

Zambia's opposition leader Michael Sata holds a slight lead over acting President Rupiah Banda in the election.

Sata has accused authorities of planning to rig the vote, charges the election commission has denied.