President-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa lauded the citizens of Zimbabwe for their peaceful conduct during the recent presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections held on August 23 and 24. Mnangagwa, who was announced as the winner and re-elected for his second and final five-year term, emphasized the nation’s maturity in democracy.
With 52.6 percent of the total votes cast, Mnangagwa secured his victory, garnering 2,350,711 votes out of the 4,468,668 valid votes, as reported by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). His main rival, Nelson Chamisa of the opposition Citizens for Coalition Change (CCC), received 44 percent of the valid votes, totaling 1,967,343 votes.
Reflecting on his triumph, Mnangagwa expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence the people of Zimbabwe placed in him to serve as the country’s President once again. He acknowledged the unbiased role played by various election observer missions that monitored the electoral process.
As the election season draws to a close, President Mnangagwa called for unity in pursuing the nation’s developmental goals. He outlined his vision for the next term, stating, “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.”
Mnangagwa further emphasized the importance of preserving the peaceful environment and urged the nation to remain vigilant in safeguarding it. He asserted, “That which unites us is much greater than that which could ever divide us.”
The President also urged citizens to return to work with renewed purpose and enhance productivity across all sectors. He extended his appreciation to all contestants in the election, asserting that in the end, Zimbabwe stands united as one people, transcending the notions of winners and losers.
Building on the accomplishments of his previous term, President Mnangagwa’s focus for the upcoming years will be to consolidate the country’s food security. Voter turnout for this year’s election was reported at 68.9 percent in the presidential election.
In addition to his re-election, Mnangagwa’s ruling ZANU-PF party secured the majority of the 210 parliamentary seats, underscoring its continued influence within the political landscape.
As Zimbabwe embarks on this new chapter under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, the nation is poised to address pressing issues and pursue a path of development while upholding the values of democracy and unity that have been celebrated throughout the election process.
