Zimbabwe: Emmerson Mnangagwa wins presidential election
Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is now the Zimbabwe President , the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) said today, in an election marred by deadly violence and opposition allegations of vote rigging. Mnangagwa, of ZANU-PF party, won 50.8% of the vote, ahead of Nelson Chamisa of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party on 44.3%, said ZEC Chair Priscilla Chigumba. Here are more details.
Mnangagwa says he was 'humbled' to have won the election
To secure an outright victory in the election, a candidate needed more than 50% of the votes. Mnangagwa quickly took to Twitter to say he was "humbled" to have won the election, hailing it as a "new beginning" for Zimbabwe. Mnangagwa has been in power since November'17 following the resignation of long-time President Robert Mugabe in the wake of a military intervention.
Here's Mnangagwa's 'thank you' tweet
Six people killed when troops fired live rounds against demonstrators
Zimbabwe was braced for public reaction to the election results after a deadly crackdown on protesters. Six people were killed on Wednesday when troops fired live rounds against MDC demonstrators alleging the vote had been rigged. Police cleared central Harare ahead of results, shouting at pedestrians and traders to leave the area, as the opposition MDC repeatedly alleged that ZANU-PF was stealing the election.
MDC denounced the vote count as 'fake'
MDC spokesperson Morgan Komichi denounced the vote count as "fake" and said, "We will take this to the courts." Turnout was high at over 80% in most of the country's 10 provinces. "What they have been trying to do of late is to play around," Nelson Chamisa of MDC said. "That is rigging, manipulation, trying to bastardize the result, and that we won't allow."
Election meant to free Zimbabwe from years of repression
Monday's vote was meant to turn the page on years of brutal repression under Mugabe, end Zimbabwe's international isolation and attract foreign investment to revive the shattered economy. Mnangagwa had promised a free and fair vote in November last year.
Mnangagwa was allegedly involved in violence during 2008 elections
Before the violence, European Union observers declared they found an "un-level playing field and lack of trust" in the election process. However, ZEC Chairwoman Chigumba has flatly rejected allegations of rigging. Mnangagwa was allegedly involved in violence and intimidation during 2008 elections when then opposition-leader Morgan Tsvangirai pulled out of the run-off after attacks claimed the lives of at least 200 of his supporters.
