Zanu PF leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa was Monday sworn in as the president of Zimbabwe at an inauguration ceremony held at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
Mnangagwa was sworn in by chief Justice Luke Malaba.
Mnangagwa was re elected after winning the disputed general election with 52.6% of the vote while his main challenger Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens Coalition for Change got 44% of the vote.
In his speech at the ceremony Mnangagwa complimented Zimbabweans for a peaceful election season.
“I once again thank you Zimbabweans for dutifully safeguarding peace before, during and after elections.
“As Zimbabweans, we have demonstrated that we are a mature nation.”
“Ther are no losers but a victory for Zimbabweans against neo-colonialism. Counter-revolutionary forces will never prevail in our free Zimbabwe,” he said.
He also vowed he will fulfill all the promises he made whilst campaigning.
“I am honoured by the trust and confidence you have reposed in me to continue to serve in the office of the President.
“My new government will deliver on the promises we have made to you.
“I call upon all Zimbabweans to say no to violence, tribalism, regionalism and hate speech. We love peace, we love harmony we love tolerance and this is our DNA as people of Zimbabwe.”
Following the announcement of the presidential election results, CCC refused to accept the outcome, claiming there was electoral misconduct, and advocated for new elections.
The fiercely debated ballot was also scrutinized by foreign observer missions who highlighted several inadequacies in the election procedures, not upholding various regional and international benchmarks.
According to a report by the European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), there was an alarming trend of diminishing fundamental freedoms throughout the elections.
The report highlighted instances of violence and intimidation, resulting in a pervasive “climate of fear” that permeated the whole electoral process by ZEC.
Meanwhile only three sitting Presidents from Southern Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa South Africa’s leader, Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Filipe Nyusi Mozambique’s leader attended the ceremony.
