Zimbabwe Presidential Election: Opposition leader rejects court ruling confirming Mnangagwa as president

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02:48

Zimbabwe's main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has rejected a court ruling confirming Emmerson Mnangagwa as the winner of the July presidential election. The opposition party said it will try to resolve what it called a legitimacy challenge. Our correspondent Farai Mwakutuya has more from Harare.

ZANU PF youths at the party headquarters watching the verdict being handed down in a case that had left the nation at a standstill but which many here feel was necessary to vindicate their victory.

PUPURAI TOGAREPI YOUTH LEADER, ZANU-PF PARTY "We knew from the beginning that we had won the elections but for democracy we allowed them to follow every channel they wanted."

BENARD CHITEWE ZANU-PF SUPPORTER "When they failed to produce the V11 forms, then I said right that's where the game is. And then secondly when they failed to produce the numbers that they were saying ZANU PF and ZEC rigged, so I am very happy that the truth has set Zimbabwe free."

The opposition has reached the end of the legal road but will pursue other channels to resolve what it's called a legitimacy challenge.

DOUGLAS MWONZORA SECRETARY GENERAL, MDC PARTY 'We have a society, which is divided almost in half and therefore there is a need for political solutions. We are going to convene our national council meeting on Wednesday but there are a number of avenues that we do have, political solutions, diplomatic solutions."

It insists its next move will be lawful.

DOUGLAS MWONZORA SECRETARY GENERAL, MDC PARTY "We will respect the rights of the Zimbabwean people. We will respect the rights of the ZANU PF as well. We will respect the president who has been declared now, but whether we agree with him or not is another matter."

That's of little concern to the ruling party, which expects to make an impact over the next five years.

PAUL MANGWANA SECRETARY FOR LEGAL AFFAIRS, ZANU-PF PARTY "More prosperity for the people of Zimbabwe. President Mnangagwa is very clear he's focusing on the economy turning around the lives of the people and I am sure he will deliver his promises."

FARAI MWAKUTUYA HARARE "After a two-week delay, President Elect Emmerson Mnangagwa will finally be sworn in on Sunday. After that many will wait and watch to see if he can live up to expectations."

His celebrating supporters don't need any convincing.

BENARD CHITEWE ZANU-PF SUPPORTER "I know this man, I believe in him, I trust him, that why I voted for him." FM, CGTN, H, Z.