Obasanjo: 'I have never seen an election that is perfect'

The head of the African Union observer mission to Zimbabwe, Olusegun Obasanjo, has said that Wednesday's general election reflects the will of the people.

The endorsement comes despite criticism from the main Zimbabwean observer group, which said the poll was seriously compromised.

Mr Obasanjo said he had "never seen an election that is perfect".

Early results suggest a strong lead for President Robert Mugabe's ZANU-PF party, which has already claimed victory.

Mr Mugabe's main rival for the presidency, Morgan Tsvangirai, has dismissed the poll and called it null and void.