Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in for a second presidential term on Monday in Zimbabwe after being proclaimed the victor of a contentious election last month and making a vow to help millions of people out of poverty.
On August 23, Zimbabweans went to the polls to pick a new president, lawmakers, and members of local councils, but the main opposition party called the results a “gigantic fraud.”
Mnangagwa begged for unity in the wake of the elections in his speech following his swearing-in and made a commitment to restore the dwindling economy. He said, “Responsive policies which begun in the first term of my presidency are on course to lift many out of poverty.”
The majority of Mnangagwa’s fans arrived by bus from all around the nation, and they chanted and danced as the 80-year-old entered the National Sports Stadium with his wife. “I stand as a president of all. I offer you individually and collectively, unity,” Mnangagwa said.
Mnangagwa took the oath of office before Chief Justice Luke Malaba, who in 2018 ruled him as the victor after concluding a constitutional court case.
African politicians that attended the swearing-in event were South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Mozambican President Phillipe Nyusi, and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema opted not to go.
The commencement of Mnangagwa’s second term coincides with persistent economic hardships, with the Zimdollar down 80% from the year’s beginning and international assistance still on hold.
Election faces allegations
The opposition Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) party’s 45-year-old leader Nelson Chamisa demanded a fresh election after his party claimed the poll was “flawed” but chose not to contest the outcome in court, paving the way for Mnangagwa’s inauguration.
Mnangagwa had urged the opposition to go to court, but he insisted that the vote was legitimate and issued a warning that anyone being provocative would face harsh punishment.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) observer mission stated in its preliminary assessment that the election did not meet regional and international norms, while the European Union (EU) observation mission stated that there was a “climate of fear” during the voting process.
Additionally, the administration came under fire for the detention of more than 40 members of civil organisations and for widespread allegations of voting intimidation in rural areas. Voting took place without any untoward incident, however, there were significant delays in the distribution of ballots, which gave rise to charges of voter suppression from the opposition.
Under Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe has tried to re-engage its former Western allies after being cut off from them for more than 20 years. Zimbabwe’s economic difficulties are anticipated to persist in the absence of international investment, leaving millions facing an uncertain future.
Despite the Zimdollar’s depreciation versus the US dollar since its reinstatement in 2019, Mnangagwa stated that he would preserve it.
