Ramaphosa appeals to Zimbabweans to accept election results

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged all Zimbabweans on Friday to accept the election of Emmerson Mnangagwa as president after a poll marred by violence.

Ramaphosa, who is also SADC chairperson, says they should follow the law if they have complaints.

“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,” the presidency said in a statement.

He’s phoned President Emmerson Mnangagwa to congratulate him on his win.

Congratulations to His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa on his election as President of Zimbabwe. We urge the people of Zimbabwe to accept the outcome of the election, or follow the legal route should they wish to challenge it. We look forward to great working relations with you. pic.twitter.com/4U3KpX23oh

— President Cyril Ramaphosa (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 3, 2018

Ramaphosa also congratulated Zimbabweans on a peaceful election, but expressed concern about the deadly violence that followed the vote.

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a former spy chief installed after Robert Mugabe’s removal in a coup in November, on Friday won a poll marred by the deaths of six people in an army crackdown on opposition protests.

Mnangagwa received 50.8 percent of the vote, while his main opponent, Nelson Chamisa, polled 44.3 percent.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called Emmerson Mnangagwa to congratulate him on being elected president of Zimbabwe.Ramaphosa appealed to political leaders and citizens of Zimbabwe 2 accept the outcome of the election. nickmangwana JonesMusara vargoe21 KMutisi CdeNMaswerasei pic.twitter.com/oyrnaBNFEZ

— OwenMthobie. (MthobieOwen) August 3, 2018

RAMAPHOSA CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA: The South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has called President edmnangagwa to congratulate him on winning the Presidential election. Ramaphosa appealed to those who lost to accept the result & allow Zimbabwe to move forward. pic.twitter.com/YjJbtA0AU0

— Harare Sun (HarareSun) August 3, 2018

REUTERS