Riots after claims of Malawi vote-rigging

OPPOSITION supporters rampaged through Malawi’s streets after electoral officials declared President Bakili Muluzi’s designated successor the winner of the impoverished southern African country’s third multi-party elections.

The seven-party Mgwirizano coalition protested Thursday’s vote was rigged and maintained its leader was the rightful winner.

Hundreds of coalition supporters poured into the streets yesterday in Blantyre’s crowded suburbs, erecting barricades and setting fire to a local office of the ruling United Democratic Front party. A petrol station and at least two other UDF offices were also looted in the frenzy. Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd.