Mnangagwa shrugs off claims of rigging
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has claimed that he won the election fairly while dismissing some reports from observer missions that questioned the freeness and fairness of the election.
“I can assure you that I did not conduct the elections. I competed in them and I’m happy that I won the elections,” he said.
At his first press conference after being declared winner, the combative Mnangagwa said he was just a participant who did not preside over the election. He also accused some observer missions for overstepping their mandate by criticising laws that had been passed by parliament.
“I am aware that some observer missions went beyond their call of duty and began interrogating legislation passed by our own parliament. It is my view that every single sovereign country passes their legislation through their legislature and Zimbabwe is not an exception,” he said.
Mnangagwa extended his gratitude to Zimbabweans for their faith in him to retain office as he pledged to continue on the “growth trajectory.”
“The elections have come and gone. I am humbled by the trust and confidence that you my fellow countrymen and women have reposed in me, to once again serve as President of our great country, Zimbabwe.
“There is much more work to be done. Together, as one united people we shall continue on the growth trajectory witnessed over the last five years, no one and no place will be left behind.”
Continuing, Mnangagwa appealed for peace in the elections aftermath.
“Thus far, we have shamed our detractors who wished to see us divided and in turmoil. We shall forever remain a united, peace-loving and resilient people, from Zambezi to Limpopo, Plumtree to Mutare, proudly singing one national anthem, under one national flag.”
“Fellow Zimbabweans, in this post-election period that we are now entering, let us remain vigilant and jealously guard the prevailing peaceful and tranquil environment. That which unites us is much greater than that which could ever divide us,” said the veteran politician.
According to ZEC, Mnangagwa won the election with 52% of the votes against his main challenger Nelson Chamisa, of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), who polled 44% of the vote.
CCC has categorically rejected the election results and accused ZEC of rigging for Mnangagwa and Zanu PF. Chamisa’s chief election agent Advocate Kwaramba refused to sign the results at the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Command Center in the capital.
