Celebrations as Zambian opposition candidate leads in count

By FARAI MUTSAKA
Associated Press

LUSAKA, Zambia (AP) — Supporters of Zambian opposition candidate Hakainde Hichilema have begun celebrating as early election results show him leading in the tightly-fought, tense presidential race. Ignoring calls by the Electoral Commission for people to wait peacefully for the final official results, young opposition supporters drove through the streets of the capital, Lusaka, playing music and singing. But President Edgar Lungu signaled that he may not accept defeat by asserting that the elections had not been free and fair in three provinces seen as opposition strongholds. Lungu issued a statement alleging that the opposition had violently attacked and killed some ruling party supporters.