Roh Claims Victory In S. Korean Election

SEOUL, South Korea--The government's handpicked candidate, Roh Tae-woo, claimed victory today in the first direct presidential election in 16 years. The opposition rejected the outcome and called for protests.

"There is no longer victor or loser, there are now only the proud people of the Republic of Korea," Roh told a news conference at his party head-quarters. "I will faithfully fulfill the heavy responsibility."

With 83 percent of the vote counted, Roh, a former army general, was leading with 37 percent, the National Election Commission said. Opposition candidate Kim Young-sam trailed with 26.7 percent, followed by rival opposition candidates Kim Dae-jung with 26.1 percent and Kim Jong-pil with 8 percent.

The opposition alleged massive fraud, but the government warned its opponents not to challenge the outcome.

The National Coalition for Democracy issued a statement calling for anti-government protests to reverse the election result. "We will not accept Mr. Roh Tae-woo's election through such a rigged election and will counter the undemocratic plot by rallying the peoples' power," the opposition alliance said.