HARARE
Zimbabwe's election results should be revealed today. President Robert Mugabe has taken an early lead but already local and international observers are saying the electoral process has not been fair.

The first real challenge to Mugabe in 22 years comes from Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

Most international observers were forced to leave the country before voting started. The leader of the Norwegian observer team that stayed said the election had not met international standards.

Foreign agencies have been sharply critical saying tens of thousands of people have been prevented from voting notably in opposition strongholds. Amnesty International has voiced concerns about the welfare of 1,400 people it says are being held by the government mostly polling agents and election observers.

The elections have been marred by violence which observers say has come mostly from government supporters.