South Africa’s Ramaphosa Urges Zimbabweans to Accept Poll Results
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has on Friday urged all Zimbabweans to accept the election of Emmerson Mnangagwa (75) as president, after polls – which began peacefully – turned to violence in the aftermath, and led to the tragic death of six people. The South African Presidency said in a statement: “President Ramaphosa has appealed […]
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has on Friday urged all Zimbabweans to accept the election of Emmerson Mnangagwa (75) as president, after polls – which began peacefully – turned to violence in the aftermath, and led to the tragic death of six people.
The South African Presidency said in a statement: “President Ramaphosa has appealed to all political leaders and the people of Zimbabwe to accept the outcome of the election and should they have challenges, they must follow legal remedies provided for in the constitution and electoral law.”
According to Reuters, opposition leader Nelson Chamisa (40) has questioned the outcome and demanded that “proper and verified” results be released.
Chamisa said in a tweet: “I thought the force of will would prevail over (the) will of force.”
Meanwhile President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for unity, tweeting on Friday morning: “This is a new beginning. Let us join hands, in peace, unity & love, & together build a new Zimbabwe for all.”
Ramaphosa, who also chairs the Southern African Development Community, urged all Zimbabweans to accept the poll results.
The Zimbabwe army’s heavy-handed intervention on Wednesday in protests by the opposition – which led to the six fatalities – raised eyebrows in South Africa and abroad, and revealed a deep rift that still exists in Zimbabwe.
The SA Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) expressed its “grave concern” yesterday over the violence that broke out.
The election was the first since the army’s removal of 94-year-old Robert Mugabe.
Mnangagwa – nicknamed The Crocodile – was a former ally and spy chief for Mugabe’s government.
Both he and MDC Alliance’s Chamisa had claimed victory since election day… but it was announced last night that the elder man had secured a “comfortable victory” of 2.46 million votes against Chamisa’s 2.15 million.
With all 10 provinces declared, Mnangagwa – from the ruling Zanu-PF party – won 50.8% of the votes, compared to Chamisa’s 44.3%. This means the result is conclusive and there will be no run-off.
Water cannon and anti-riot police remain outside the MDC offices in Harare.
DIRCO not contesting Grace Mugabe ruling
In unrelated Zimbabwe news, Sisulu said DIRCO would not be appealing the South Gauteng High Court’s ruling this week that the decision to grant Mugabe’s wife Grace diplomatic immunity was inconsistent with the Constitution and therefore null and void. Mrs Mugabe was granted immunity after allegedly assaulting a South African model.
“Our lawyers have studied the judgment and outcome of the case. We have decided, after lengthy legal advice between ourselves and other legal entities, that the department would carry the legal cost, as per the court ruling. We’ll abide,” said Sisulu.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will now handle the matter.
Sources include: Reuters, SANews.gov.za