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Gabriel Masvora, News Editor
THE Chairman of the Sadc Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security, Zambia President Edgar Lungu has congratulated President Mnangagwa on his election to lead the country following the harmonised elections that were held on Monday last week.
President Mnangagwa garnered 2 460 463 votes (50,8 percent), beating his main rival Mr Nelson Chamisa of MDC Alliance who polled 2 147 436 votes (44,3 percent), to win the Presidential elections. His party, Zanu-PF also garnered more than two thirds majority in Parliament after winning 145 National Assembly seats while combined opposition seats are 65.
In a letter on Friday, President Lungu said he wished the people of Zimbabwe will continue to experience peace, unity, and greater success both on the political and economic fronts.
“I wish to convey on behalf of the Government and the people of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, heartfelt congratulations to President Mnangagwa on his election,” President Lungu said.
President Lungu said Zambia and Zimbabwe are key members of Sadc and are therefore very crucial to the stability of the region.
“In this regard, I urge you to speedily overcome any past-election skimmers to enable the country to quickly return to a peaceful political discourse as an all-inclusive society. On our part as Chair of the Sadc Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security, Zambia stands ever ready to contribute to any progressive efforts to move Zimbabwe forward,” he said.
Other members of the Sadc Troika are Angola and Tanzania. President Lungu assured President Mnangagwa that Zambia will continue to provide unwavering commitment to ensure that the long standing relations and co-operation shared between the two countries continue to flourish for the mutual benefit of the two peoples, the region and the African continent at large.
President Lungu joins a number of other African leaders that have congratulated President Mnangagwa on his victory.
Sadc chairperson and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa phoned President Mnangagwa on Friday morning to congratulate him.
“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,” read a statement from the South African presidency.
“His Excellency, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa and the chairperson of Sadc has called and congratulated Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa on his election as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, following elections held on 30 July 2018. President Ramaphosa concluded his phone call by expressing his commitment to working closely with the President elect, Mr Mnangagwa to enhance the historical, political and fraternal relations which exist between South Africa and Zimbabwe, with particular emphasis on strengthening economic cooperation in priority areas as mutually identified by the two countries.”
Other world and regional leaders who have congratulated President Mnangagwa include Tanzania President John Magafuli who conveyed his congratulatory message through a tweet.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Tanzania,I convey my sincere congratulations on your victory in the Presidential Election of Zimbabwe. Your victory is a reflection of the confidence reposed in you by the people of Zimbabwe in leading them to prosperity,” he said.
Burundu President Pierre Nkurunziza also shared his congratulatory message to President ED through a tweet.
“Dear Mr. President @edmnangagwa on behalf of the Burundian People and on my own behalf, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations on your election as President of Zimbabwe. I wish you much success and good health for the prosperity of your country and Africa.”
derick.khumalo