ZIMBABWE’s opposition has rejected President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s narrow presidential election victory after a poll marred by deadly violence and allegations of vote rigging.
On Thursday night, Mnangagwa was declared the winner of the election, the country’s first since the toppling of veteran leader Robert Mugabe, with a slim lead over Nelson Chamisa, head of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).
Mnangagwa, who took over the ruling Zanu-PF party from Mugabe last year and was appointed President, won 50.8% of the vote, the election commission said, just enough to avoid a runoff. Chamisa received 44%.
The president tweeted that he was “humbled” by the result. “Though we may have been divided at the polls, we are united in our dreams,” he added. “This is a new beginning. Let us join hands, in peace, unity & love, & together build a new Zimbabwe for all!”
