Observers Cry Foul as Zimbabwe Results Delayed

UK minister says opposition 'likely' won despite 'cheating'
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 30, 2008 5:44 PM CDT
Observers Cry Foul as Zimbabwe Results Delayed
Head of an election-observing body Jose Marcos Bariga, second from right, of Angola, announces in Harare Sunday March 30, 2008 that Saturday's elections in Zimbabwe were conducted fairly.   (AP Photo/Mujahid Safodien)

Observers fear President Mugabe is rigging the vote while election results are delayed in Zimbabwe, the BBC reports. Officials blame the holdup on a flood of ballots, but one monitor said he had “no doubt” the results were known. “The delay is fuelling speculation that there could be something going on,” said Noel Kututwa, the head of the Zimbabwe Election Support Network.

Opposition MDC party claimed a 67% victory in some areas based on early returns, but a minister to Mugabe accused MDC of "speculation and lies" and "causing unnecessary havoc." A UK minister sided with MDC, saying the early tally was “quite likely” right despite Mugabe's "massive pre-election day cheating." Zimbabwe's election commission vows to release election results tomorrow. (More Zimbabwe elections stories.)

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