South Africa has come under fire for blocking a move by the United Nations to declare Friday’s one man run-off election in Zimbabwe as illegitimate.

Zimbabwe’s opposition Movement for Democratic Change says the election was a sham and that President Robert Mugabe remains in power because of President Thabo Mbeki’s help.

The MDC’s Nqobizitha Mlilo says they are disappointed by the move saying the South African government is bordering on being disgraceful.

Vote counting in Zimbabwe is underway with Mugabe saying he is certain of victory.

The 80-year-old was the sole candidate in the poll after opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from the presidential run-off election citing violence against his supporters.

The Electoral Commission says the first results from the 210 constituencies are expected at around lunchtime.

It says the final results of the poll will be announced Saturday or Sunday.