Zambians vote for new president after leader died

The main opposition candidate in Zambia's presidential election accused the ruling party of rigging the vote as he cast his ballot Thursday, an indication he will contest election results.

Michael Sata's party has raised questions about the number of ballot papers printed, saying extra ones could be used fraudulently.

And Sata criticized army commander Gen. Isaac Chisuzi on Thursday for saying on national television the day before that his troops were prepared to keep the peace if the announced election results spark violence.

"When the army commander can intimidate voters like he did last night, it means they have already rigged the elections," Sata said after voting in Lusaka.

But turnout was heavy and peaceful on Thursday in an election to replace the late President Levy Mwanawasa, who died in office in August after suffering a stroke.

The governing party candidate, acting President Rupiah Banda, has promised a free and fair election. The vote could be close, but independent observers predicted Banda would win and complete the three years remaining Mwanawasa's second term in office.

Sata has been hinting he will protest if Banda wins the election.

Despite Sata's complaints, there has been little evidence of rigging. Mwanawasa was known as an anti-corruption campaigner, and the country's independent election commission has won praise.

"We are happy with the buildup of the election so far," John Kunene, head of the election observer team sent by the Southern African Development Community, told reporters as he toured polling stations Thursday. "It has been peaceful."

The European Union also sent observers.

Turnout was heavy, but lines moved smoothly and quickly throughout the morning and into the early afternoon.

Earlier, delays of about 30 minutes in opening several Lusaka stations were blamed on the late arrival of party representatives who are legally required to monitor the vote. Capital residents stood patiently chatting in long lines at the polls.

Albert Hachinene, a government worker waiting to vote in Lusaka, said campaigning and debating was over.

"The actual decision will be made here today," he said. "It's good we are voting so that we can choose a leader of our choice."

At their final rallies Wednesday, the main contenders called economic progress their top goal.

Banda vowed to continue the popular Mwanawasa's free-market legacy, while Sata promised relief from high taxes. Sata's pro-poor rhetoric may be resonating, as prices for copper _ the mainstay of Zambia's economy _ plummet, inflation rises and fears of interest rate hikes grow.

Both agreed that Zambia needs even more of the Chinese investment first welcomed by Mwanawasa. The late president won praise for fighting corruption and modernizing Zambia's economy but admitted he had failed to lift the nation out of crushing poverty.

Mwanawasa's stewardship saw foreign investment increase from $71.7 million in 2001 to an estimated $4 billion in 2008, with $1 billion of that from China.

But critics say it is taking too long to create new jobs.

Nearly 4 million of Zambia's 13 million people were registered to vote. Turnout in 2006 was more than 70 percent.

Final results may take up to a week because of poor communications.