Zambia's Mwanawasa wins presidential poll-official

LUSAKA, Oct 2 (Reuters) Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa has won a second term in office in an election his challenger Michael Sata accused him of rigging, official results showed today.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia said Mwanawasa took 1,177,846 votes counted while his main challenger, Michael Sata, scored 804,748 votes. Wealthy businessman Hakainde Hichilema came third on 693,772 votes.

Sata -- who had staked out a solid lead in early results -- conceded defeat earlier today but said Mwanawasa had stolen the victory.

Reuters SK GC2341