Zimbabwe’s president-elect urges nation to now focus on rebuilding economy

Zimbabwe’s president-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday urged Zimbabweans to now focus on rebuilding the economy following the July 30 polls whose outcome is being contested by the opposition MDC Alliance in court.

In a speech to commemorate the country’s departed heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for the attainment of Zimbabwe’s independence from Britain in 1980, Mnangagwa said the time for politics was over and all efforts should now be placed on reviving the economy for Zimbabwe to become a middle-income economy by 2030.

“It is now time to put elections behind us and for us to embrace the future. The task facing us today is a great one. Let us unite as Zimbabweans, revive our economy and rebuild our great nation,” Mnangagwa said.

He urged Zimbabweans to shun political differences and unite for the good of the nation.

“It is indeed important for us to close ranks and collectively push forward the national agenda and forge our country to new frontiers of economic development. Let us move forward with single mindedness, determination and unity of purpose,” he said.

He reiterated that Zimbabwe held a free, fair and credible election despite opposition claims that the election outcome was rigged in his favor.

The opposition MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa on Friday filed a constitutional court petition challenging Mnangagwa’s victory, a move that stalled his inauguration planned for August 12.

According to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Mnangagwa polled 50.8 percent of the vote, against his nearest rival Chamisa’s 44.3 percent.

Chamisa is claiming that ZEC tampered with the votes to deny him victory in an election he also says was marred with several irregularities.

He wants the constitutional court to either declare him the winner or call for a fresh election.