Zambians begin voting in presidential election

Lusaka: Zambians began voting on Thursday to choose a successor to the late President Levy Mwanawasa in an election that could tilt the mineral wealthy southern African nation away from its pro-business policies.

Mwanawasa died from a stroke in August after leading Zambia out of an economic slump. Acting President Rupiah Banda has pledged to continue Mwanawasa's economic policies, while the main challenger Michael Sata has portrayed himself as a champion of the poor.