Major contenders in Monday’s historic elections in Zimbabwe are upbeat about their chances as they await results.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) is due to release provisional results on Tuesday but it appears it will be too close to call at the moment.
The commission’s chairwoman Priscilla Chigumba says she was satisfied with the process so far.
“We will not subvert [the people’s will],” she told journalists.
The front-runners, President Emmerson Mnangagwa and MDC’s Nelson Chamisa have both said they are confident of victory.
Good morning Zimbabwe. I am delighted by the high turnout and citizen engagement so far. The information from our reps on the ground is extremely positive! Waiting patiently for official results as per the constitution.
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) July 31, 2018
Mnangagwa who is leading the ruling Zanu PF said he has received “extremely positive” from his party officials.
Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa however said his party was “winning resoundingly”.
Winning resoundingly…We now have results from the majority of the over 10 000 polling stations. We’ve done exceedingly well. Awaiting ZEC to perform their constitutional duty to officially announce the people’s election results and we are ready to form the next gvt.#Godisinit
— Nelson Chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) July 31, 2018
Voting was relatively calm across Zimbabwe but its the reaction from citizens when results begin to filter in that now matters.
Zimbabwe’s electoral commission says final results will be announced within five days.
The elections have been held for the first time without the involvement of the former President, Robert Mugabe who exited power after a military takeover.
The younger generation who have known Mugabe all their lives are demanding a new era. They will be crucial in deciding who wins.
Zimbabwe election rules provide for a run-off if no presidential candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote. A run-off could be held on September 8.
Source: Africafeeds.com
