With nearly two-thirds of the results in, Zambian opposition leader Michael Sata has won nearly 41% of the ballot in 93 of 150 constituencies while acting President Rupiah Banda has almost 37% of the vote, poll officials said.
Zambia, one of Africa's most stable countries, began voting Thursday to replace the late President Levy Mwanawasa. The candidates include the pro-business Acting President Rupiah Banda.
Thousands of mourners - including government officials - stood at Lusaka airport to witness the arrival of Levy Mwanawasa, Zambia's president, whose remains were flown to the southern African country after he died in Paris earlier this week.
Zambia's vice president denied media reports on Thursday that President Levy Mwanawasa had died, saying he was in stable condition in a Paris hospital.
Zambia's president Levy Mwanawasa was taken to hospital in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with an alleged heart problem according to a medical source. Mwanawasa, 59, is in Egypt to attend an African Union summit.
Zambia's football association has announced the appointment of former AS Cannes defender Hervé Renard as the national team's coach. His objective will be to prepare the squad for the 2010 World Cup.
Zambia has asked African states not to allow a Chinese ship carrying arms to Zimbabwe to enter their waters, saying that the shipment could deepen the country's election crisis. Alex Duval Smith reports from Cape Town, South Africa.
Cameroon breathed new life into their Cup bid as they claimed a comfortable win over Zambia 5-1 on Saturday. Star striker Samuel Eto'o scored a penalty to equal the tournament's all-time scoring record.
