ZIMBABWE'S PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA DECLARED WINNER AFTER HOTLY-FOUGHT ELECTION

On Saturday, the Zimbabwean presidential election ended with incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa of the ruling ZANU-PF party declared the winner. Mnangagwa received 52.6 per cent of the vote, with runner-up Nelson Chamisa of the opposition party CCC receiving 44.3 per cent. This marks the first time in Zimbabwe’s history that the opposition has come so close to winning the presidential election.

​Mnangagwa, who assumed office after the ousting of former President Robert Mugabe, was backed by the military and was widely viewed as the favourite to win the election. He ran on a platform of economic reform and anti-corruption, and his victory is seen as an endorsement of his policies.

The election saw a high voter turnout, with over five million people casting their ballot. The electoral process was largely peaceful despite some reports of irregularities and intimidation. The opposition has alleged that the election was rigged and has called for an independent audit of the results.

The international community has responded positively to the election, with the European Union, African Union and the United States all expressing their support for the process.

The election has been seen as a test of democracy for Zimbabwe, as it was the first election since Mugabe’s departure. While the results may not be entirely satisfactory for the opposition, it is a step in the right direction for Zimbabwe. The election was a peaceful and transparent process, and it is hoped to pave the way for more democratic elections.