The Zimbabwe opposition has rejected the judgement of the constitutional court confirming Emmerson Mnangagwa as winner of last month’s presidential election.
The opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa on Saturday told reporters that he does not accept the judgement of the court.
Chamisa said he has “a legitimate claim that I should lead Zimbabwe.”
The Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe on Friday upheld the election victory of Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The court delivered its judgement after hearing arguments from parties in the election challenge case filed by Mr. Chamisa.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, declared President Mnangagwa winner of the historic election. He obtained 2.46 million votes against 2.15 million for the opposition candidate, Nelson Chamisa.
The opposition MDC had alleged electoral fraud and rigging in favour of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The MDC was seeking fresh election or a declaration that Chamisa won the July 30 poll. But the court says the applicants failed to proof their case.
Chamisa says “I respectfully disagree and reject the position that was arrived at by the constitutional court.”
I hear your cries & feel your pain. I know you feel cheated, but take heart — your victory is not lost. Your will is sacred & we’ll listen to you on the path of peace & course of action to be taken to rescue our beautiful Zimbabwe from the jaws of poverty, corruption & dishonesty
— Nelson Chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) August 24, 2018
Mnangagwa calls for unity
Meanwhile ahead of his inauguration on Sunday, President Mnangagwa has appealed for peace and unity.
In a statement on Twitter he said “I once again reiterate my call for peace and unity above all. Nelson Chamisa, my door is open and my arms are outstretched, we are one nation, and we must put our nation first.
Let us all now put our differences behind us. It is time to move forward together.”
I once again reiterate my call for peace and unity above all. Nelson Chamisa, my door is open and my arms are outstretched, we are one nation, and we must put our nation first. Let us all now put our differences behind us. It is time to move forward together. (4/4)
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 24, 2018
But Nelson Chamisa says he will not be attending the inauguration of Mr. Mnangagwa further showing how divided the country is.
This is the first time an electoral process is coming to an end without former leader, Robert Mugabe. He was forced to resign from power after a brief military takeover last year.
Source: Africafeeds.com
