Zimbabwe's re-elected President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has been accused of "gigantic fraud" by an opposition leader and said anyone questioning the results of last week's election should take their case to court.
Mnangagwa won 52.6% of the vote, whilst the leader of the opposition Citizens' Coalition for Change (CCC), Nelson Chamisa, gained 44%, according to the election commission on Saturday.
However, on Sunday, Chamisa said the CCC would not accept the election results and the opposition would form the new government. "We will not wait for five years. There has to be a change now," he stated.
According to two observers' groups, police raided their centres and arrested staff, so they were unable to independently verify the results. A statement by the Election Resource Centre and the Zimbabwe Election Support Network said this "cast a shadow over the entire election process."
The election process was also criticised by regional body SADC and the African Union, Reuters reports.
Analysts said the election was heavily biased in the ruling ZANU-PF party's favour, which has been in power for over 40 years. ZANU-PF denies election rigging or having an unfair advantage.
Chamisa said on X (formerly Twitter) that the election is "a blatant and gigantic fraud," and he is relying on diplomatic pressure on the government. "Do not leave us, particularly our fellow brothers and sisters, in the region and on the continent. We count on your solidarity as we seek to resolve this political crisis."
The result was welcomed by Mnangagwa: "I competed with them, and I am happy that I have won the race," he said on Sunday at State House.
"Those who feel the race was not run properly should know where to go to."
Retailers say use of exchange rate is harming competitiveness
Leading retailers in Zimbabwe have cautioned that they may be forced to shut down stores if the government continues to mandate the use of an official exchange rate they believe is inflated and harming their ability to compete.
posted on 25.09.2024
Zimbabwe to announce roadmap to replace Dollars with ZiG
Zimbabwe’s cabinet has announced the approval of a plan to transition from using US dollars to the new gold-backed currency for transactions, the details of which will be presented by the country's Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube.
posted on 07.08.2024
Zimbabwe seeks investment bank to bolster economic potential
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, has urged investors to set up an investment bank in the country to capitalise on the numerous opportunities within the economy.
posted on 12.06.2024
Retailers say use of exchange rate is harming competitiveness
Leading retailers in Zimbabwe have cautioned that they may be forced to shut down stores if the government continues to mandate the use of an official exchange rate they believe is inflated and harming their ability to compete.
posted on 25.09.2024
Zimbabwe to announce roadmap to replace Dollars with ZiG
Zimbabwe’s cabinet has announced the approval of a plan to transition from using US dollars to the new gold-backed currency for transactions, the details of which will be presented by the country's Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube.
posted on 07.08.2024
Zimbabwe seeks investment bank to bolster economic potential
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, has urged investors to set up an investment bank in the country to capitalise on the numerous opportunities within the economy.
posted on 12.06.2024
deVere Zimbabwe’s Public Relations Department deals with all areas of the media and external communications including international, national, regional, local, trade, consumer, print, broadcast, social and online. The Department aims to provide a helpful service to journalists, broadcasters and editors, amongst others, and reply to all media enquiries, including urgent enquiries out of hours, within agreed deadlines. Our press office does not have access to client details and will not be able to assist with individual client enquiries. Please contact deVere Zimbabwe’s Head of Public Relations on [email protected] or call +44 2071220925