[1] During the campaign, Patriotic Front leader Michael Sata was strongly critical of Chinese investment in the country and suggested that he would recognize the Republic of China (Taiwan).

[5] The possibility was raised that Sata could be disqualified from the election for allegedly giving a false declaration of assets in August; he had claimed that a former minister in Mwanawasa's government owed him $100,000.

When opposition supporters heard that Sata had slipped from first to third place, riots erupted in Lusaka.

[8] According to interim results Mwanawasa still held an easy lead in constituencies counted up to 16:00 on 1 October.

The elections in Lupososhi (19,230 registered voters) and Kabompo East (16,148) were postponed due to the death of candidates.