US and UK concern over Zimbabwe election results

Robert Mugabe has led Zimbabwe since independence in 1980

The US and UK have expressed concern after official results from Zimbabwe's elections gave President Robert Mugabe a seventh term in office amid claims of electoral fraud.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said the results did not "represent a credible expression of the people".

But the regional power South Africa has congratulated Mr Mugabe on his victory.

Mr Mugabe, 89, won 61% of the vote, against Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's 34%.

Mr Tsvangirai, though, rejected the vote for parliament and president as fraudulent and vowed to take legal action.

Major Western groups were not invited to send observer missions to monitor Wednesday's election.

The US has described the vote as "deeply flawed".

"In light of substantial electoral irregularities reported by domestic and regional observers, the United States does not believe that the results represent a credible expression of the will of the Zimbabwean people," Mr Kerry said.

Former colonial power the UK also expressed "grave concerns" over reports of large numbers of voters being turned away from polling stations.

British Foreign Minister William Hague urged a thorough investigation of all allegations of violations.

Meanwhile the European Union which maintains sanctions on Mr Mugabe and his senior aides, said it was worried about "alleged irregularities and reports of incomplete participation" in the election.

Source CNN