Electoral papers burning outside a polling station in Lusaka, Zambia.<br/> Angry voters allegedly torched the material after the polling station failed to open on time.<br/> A police chief blamed the disruption on trouble-makers.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) MULAKENI ZULU, LUSAKA COMMANDING OFFICER:<br/> "This confusion is not by the electorates there. It's just from an unknown group from outside who started throwing stones inside there just to disrupt the peaceful voting process."<br/> Zambians are voting in a closely contested election between incumbent Rupiah Banda, and opposition leader Michael Sata - a vocal critic of foreign investment in Africa's biggest copper producer.<br/> Sata was mobbed by frustrated youths at the polling station.<br/> Security across the country has been stepped up for the election, although political violence in Zambia is uncommon.<br/> Earlier in the day, people had queued for hours for their chance to vote.<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) JONATHAN MTONGA, LUSAKA RESIDENT:<br/> "This has been the most eagerly awaited election, very important, shaping our future, making sure we put the right people in power."<br/> (SOUNDBITE) (English) EMILY SIKAZWE, LUSAKA RESIDENT:<br/> "It is an important civic duty to choose your leader that can represent you according to your hopes and aspirations."<br/> An opinion poll published a week ago suggested Banda held a narrow lead over Sata, although the number of undecided voters means an upset is still possible.<br/> Nick Rowlands, Reuters.
