Update: Mwanawasa Wins “Transparent” Zambian Elections
October 4, 2006

Following up on CCD’s September 29th report “Zambian Elections Draw Large Turnout; Voters Split Over Economic Policies”, the Associated Press has reported that Presidential incumbent Levy Mwanawasa has defeated populous candidate Michael Sata.  President Mwanawasa secured another 5-year term as Zambian president with 43% of the vote against Sata’s 30%. 

The Washington Post reports that on October 2nd Sata conceded defeat to Mwanawasa following a weekend of riots.  Sata has made claims of a fraudulent election, but has decided not to pursue a challenge through the court system because he “believed the result would not be overturned.”  After pro-Sata rioters “torched cars and looted shops” over the weekend, the defeated presidential candidate accepted defeat and pleaded for calm. 

According to the Washington Post Sata stated that “We are not going to do anything to destroy Zambia, and I ask the people to keep calm even if they are angry.”  Despite his refusal to bring the issue before the courts, Sata says that “he did not intend to stay quiet”.  Contrary to Sata’s claims of widespread fraud, the AP reports that “international observers said it (the election) was largely smooth and transparent.”

Sources:

Associated Press: Mwanawasa Sworn in As Zambia President
Washington Post: Zambian president seen seeking to consolidate economic gains