Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni has won re-election with a large majority over nearest rival Kizza Besigye, official poll figures showed today.
With results in from 91 per cent of polling stations round the east African nation, Mr Museveni held an unbeatable lead of 60.80 per cent, versus 35.96 per cent for Mr Besigye. Final results are due later in the day.
Uganda's first multi-party polls for a quarter of a century were being closely watched in the West as a test of African democracy, and for the signal it might send to other leaders in the region who are enjoying lengthy stays in power.
Opponents say the 62-year-old president, who comes from a rural cattle-keeping family, has become yet another African autocrat since he took power after a 1981-86 bush war.
Western donors once praised Mr Museveni as the leader of a new generation of African statesmen. And Uganda is one of the largest recipients of Irish aid.
But the West was disappointed last year when parliament scrapped term limits that would have barred Mr Museveni from running again.
International donors cut some aid to the country when Mr Besigye - formally Mr Mueveni's doctor - was jailed on treason and rape charges. His trials continue.