Maputo - Mozambique's President Armando Guebuza has hinted he would consider admitting refugees from neighbouring Zimbabwe if the situation in the beleaguered southern African country further deteriorated following disputed elections.

Speaking to the independent Canal de Moçambique newspaper Guebuza said Mozambicans had found a safe haven in Zimbabwe in the 1980s when civil war raged at home and that Mozambique could not turn its back on Zimbabweans if they were in need.

"We are praying for the good for the Zimbabwean people," he added, speaking to reporters after a ceremony marking National Women's Day Monday.

There had been rumours over the past week that Mozambique was considering closing its borders with Zimbabwe to prevent a possible influx of refugees in the event of violence over recent presidential elections.

Ten days after the elections the results are being withheld by the state-controlled Zimbabwe Electoral Commission. Opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has already claimed victory over longtime President Robert Mugabe - a claim Mugabe's party challenges.

Commenting on the stalemate Guebuza said: "The electoral process in Zimbabwe is not stalled. We will wait and see the court's ruling. We must respect the sovereignty of the Zimbabwean people. We must let them decide without pressing them."(dpa)