Zambia’s Banda sworn in

Ruling party candidate becomes Zambia’s next president amid accusations of rigging.

Mumba Sata - Zambia opposition leader presidential candidate
Sata's party, the Patriotic Front, has vowed to go to court to demand a recount [AFP]

The election commission dismissed charges of rigging and African observers have declared the vote free and fair.

Given Lubinda, a spokesman for the Patriotic Front, said: “Our stand is still that we do not recognise the election of Rupiah Banda as something reflecting the will of the people of Zambia.

“We are going to ask the court (on Monday) to grant an order to scrutinise and recount the votes.”

Accusations of electoral fraud have led to fears of unrest.

Deficit overcome
  
Banda overcame a 30-point deficit during two days of vote counting, after trailing in initial counting.

He enjoyed rural support while Sata did well in urban areas.

“I have evidence that results are being inflated … They cheated me in 2006 and they want to do the same,” Sata said at a conference hall in Lusaka.

Officials in Africa’s largest copper producer have said that the army is on standby in case tensions escalate.

Ronnie Shikapwasha, the home affairs minister, said: “Defence forces are on alert in border areas and other places to quell firmly any violence.”

Source: News Agencies