In brief: Lack of results worries voters

Zimbabwe’s main opposition party claimed an early lead Sunday in elections, seeking to thwart any possible vote rigging by President Robert Mugabe amid an ominous silence from the Electoral Commission and the deployment of security forces.

Earlier, people celebrated in the streets, dancing, singing and giving each other the wave that is the opposition party’s symbol.

But by sundown, as frustrations grew more than 24 hours after polls closed, riot police and other security forces were patrolling the capital’s densely populated suburbs, according to independent election monitors.

In previous elections, partial results have been announced within hours of voting ending.

“Why are we not getting the results? It’s very clear to me Mugabe wants to steal this election,” said Hapisson Mate, a 23-year-old first-time voter.

ATHENS, Greece

More protests follow torch

Chinese spectators cheered Sunday as Greece handed off the Olympic flame for its journey to Beijing and relay through 20 countries. But protesters brandishing Tibetan flags stole the limelight.

About two dozen activists chanted “Save Tibet!” and unfurled a banner reading “Stop Genocide in Tibet” before police intervened, detaining 21 protesters outside the Panathenian Stadium. Most were later freed.

A police cordon prevented the demonstrators from disrupting the final leg of Greece’s relay from the Acropolis to the marble stadium, the venue of the first modern Olympics in 1896.

About 7,000 Greek and Chinese spectators cheered as Greek triple jumper Hrysopigi Devetzi carried the torch into the stadium, lined with the flags of both countries. Greek presidential guards and actresses dressed as ancient priestesses looked on.

“It was an emotional experience for me,” Devetzi said. “I hope the flame will bring light to all athletes, especially those from Greece and that everything with the Games goes well.”