Current:Home > NewsZimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa wins re-election after troubled vote-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa wins re-election after troubled vote
View Date:2024-12-23 16:43:51
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa was re-elected for a second and final term Saturday as results were announced much earlier than expected following a troubled vote in the southern African country.
An opposition party spokesperson said within minutes of the results being announced that they would reject them as “hastily assembled without proper verification.”
Mnangagwa won 52.6% of the vote, the Zimbabwe Election Commission said at a late-night announcement in the capital, Harare. Main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa won 44% of the vote, the commission said.
The result will likely be scrutinized after election observers from the European Union and African Union raised questions over the environment in the buildup to the vote and pointed to an atmosphere of intimidation against Chamisa’s supporters.
The election was due to be held on just one day, last Wednesday, but voting was extended to Thursday after delays and problems with the printing of ballot papers. Results of the presidential election had been set down for Monday but came just two days after the ballots closed, mucvh sooner than expected.
“We reject any results hastily assembled without proper verification,” said Promise Mkwananzi, a spokesperson for Chamisa’s Citizens Coalition for Change Party. “We will advise citizens on the next steps as the situation develops.”
The result keeps the ruling ZANU-PF party in the presidency. ZANU-PF has been in government for 43 years since Zimbabwe won independence from white minority rule in 1980. Mnangagwa replaced long-ruling autocrat Robert Mugabe in a coup in 2017 and won a disputed election by a razor-thin margin against Chamisa in 2018.
Ahead of Saturday’s announcement of the results, dozens of armed police with water cannons guarded the national results center, the scene of deadly violence after the previous vote five years ago when the army killed six people following protests over delays in announcing presidential election results.
This election was marked by more trouble in a country with a history of violent and disputed votes.
Voting only closed on Thursday after delays in distributing ballot papers in the capital, Harare, and other urban areas prompted Mnangagwa to extend voting by a day. Many voters slept outside polling stations in urban areas that are opposition strongholds to cast their ballots.
Many people in the country of 15 million are sure to view the result with suspicion.
___
AP Africa news: https://apnews.com
veryGood! (146)
Related
- Prosecutor failed to show that Musk’s $1M-a-day sweepstakes was an illegal lottery, judge says
- Trump’s economic agenda for his second term is clouding the outlook for mortgage rates
- Judge sets April trial date for Sarah Palin’s libel claim against The New York Times
- Princess Kate to host annual Christmas carol service following cancer treatment
- Mike Tyson concedes the role of villain to young foe in 58-year-old’s fight with Jake Paul
- Can I take on 2 separate jobs in the same company? Ask HR
- Kentucky officer reprimanded for firing non-lethal rounds in 2020 protests under investigation again
- Caitlin Clark has one goal for her LPGA pro-am debut: Don't hit anyone with a golf ball
- Over 1.4 million Honda, Acura vehicles subject of US probe over potential engine failure
- Cowboys owner Jerry Jones responds to CeeDee Lamb's excuse about curtains at AT&T Stadium
Ranking
- FBI offers up to $25,000 reward for information about suspect behind Northwest ballot box fires
- Groups seek a new hearing on a Mississippi mail-in ballot lawsuit
- Why Kathy Bates Decided Against Reconstruction Surgery After Double Mastectomy for Breast Cancer
- When is 'The Golden Bachelorette' finale? Date, time, where to watch Joan Vassos' big decision
- Only 8 monkeys remain free after more than a week outside a South Carolina compound
- Isiah Pacheco injury updates: When will Chiefs RB return?
- Multi-State Offshore Wind Pact Weakened After Connecticut Sits Out First Selection
- Horoscopes Today, November 11, 2024
Recommendation
-
Democrat Cleo Fields wins re-drawn Louisiana congressional district, flipping red seat blue
-
'Wheel of Fortune' contestant makes viral mistake: 'Treat yourself a round of sausage'
-
Tom Brady Shares How He's Preparing for Son Jack to Be a Stud
-
Deion Sanders doubles down on vow to 99-year-old Colorado superfan
-
Two 'incredibly rare' sea serpents seen in Southern California waters months apart
-
Ex-Duke star Kyle Singler draws concern from basketball world over cryptic Instagram post
-
Pennsylvania House Republicans pick new floor leader after failing to regain majority
-
Tony Hinchcliffe refuses to apologize after calling Puerto Rico 'garbage' at Trump rally