Congo's Bemba to contest Kabila poll win "legally"

KINSHASA, Nov 16 (Reuters) Congo presidential contender Jean-Pierre Bemba said today he did not accept a provisional election result giving victory to President Joseph Kabila, and would challenge it ''by all legal means''.

''I regret to have to say to our people and to the international community that I cannot accept these results which are far from reflecting the truth of the ballot box,'' he said in a statement.

''I promise to use all legal means to ensure the will of our people is respected,'' he added.

Democratic Republic of Congo's electoral commission had on Wednesday announced a provisional result -- subject to confirmation from the Supreme Court -- of the Oct. 29 presidential run-off between Kabila and Bemba.

It said Kabila had won 58.05 percent of the votes against 41.95 percent for Bemba.

Bemba said he heard the results announced in the media and had been surprised that the electoral commission had not first notified the candidates to allow them to react within 48 hours.

Reuters SK VV2138