The opposition in Zimbabwe, has rejected results of Monday’s Presidential election describing them as ‘fake’.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared winner of the poll on Thursday night securing 50.8 percent of votes.
He beat his main rival and opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa of the MDC who secured 44.3 percent of votes.
The ruling Zanu-PF which Mnangagwa represents had earlier won majority of the seats in the parliamentary elections.
Nelson Chamisa wrote on twitter that “I thought the force of WILL would prevail over WILL of force”.
“The ZEC scandal of releasing unverified fake results is regrettable. ZEC denied our election agent access to results before announcement.
ZEC must release proper & verified results endorsed by parties.The level of opaqueness, truth deficiency, moral decay & values deficit is baffling,” he added.
The ZEC scandal of releasing unverified fake results is regrettable.ZEC denied our election agent access to results be4 announcement.ZEC must release proper & verified results endorsed by parties.The level of opaqueness, truth deficiency, moral decay & values deficit is baffling.
— Nelson Chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) August 3, 2018
It is unclear what the MDC does next, but the party had warned it will challenge the results in court.
Mnangagwa reacts to victory
Meanwhile the president-elect, Mnangagwa has called for unity after thanking Zimbabweans for voting for him.
“This is a new beginning. Let us join hands, in peace, unity & love, & together build a new Zimbabwe for all,” he said.
Thank you Zimbabwe!
I am humbled to be elected President of the Second Republic of Zimbabwe.
Though we may have been divided at the polls, we are united in our dreams.
This is a new beginning. Let us join hands, in peace, unity & love, & together build a new Zimbabwe for all! pic.twitter.com/FbdrixAktR
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 2, 2018
Mnangagwa, 75 became President last year after his former boss, Robert Mugabe resigned.
Mugabe was forced out of power after a military takeover which many believe was masterminded by Mnangagwa.
The former deputy of Mugabe after becoming president promised reforms including ensuring a free and fair election.
Several election observers were allowed into the country for the election.
Despite a peaceful electoral process on Monday, violence erupted on Wednesday after soldiers clashed with opposition supporters.
The MDC supporters were disputing the election results but the soldiers shot into them killing six people.
Who is Mnangagwa?
Emmerson Mnangagwa who used to be Mugabe’s deputy is known as “the crocodile” because of his political posture within the ruling Zanu PF party.
He received military training in China and Egypt and helped coordinate Zimbabwe’s war of independence in the 1960s and 1970s.
In the 1980s, Mnangagwa became Zimbabwe’s chief spy during a civil war which claimed thousands of lives. He was accused of playing a role in the massacre which he denied.
Historic election
The elections have been held for the first time without the involvement of the former President, Robert Mugabe who led the country to independence.
Source: Africafeeds.com
