Emmerson Mnangagwa sworn in as president of Zimbabwe

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Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as the president of Zimbabwe on Sunday after winning the first election since Robert Mugabe was ousted from power.

"I, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, swear that as President of Zimbabwe, I will be faithful to Zimbabwe and will obey, uphold and defend the Constitution and all other laws of Zimbabwe," Mnangagwa said while taking the oath of office.

Supporters of Emmerson Mnangagwa celebrate in Mbare, a district of Zimbabwe's capital Harare, August 3, 2018. /VCG Photo

The 75-year-old, who first took power after Mugabe was forced out last November, will serve a five-year term.

Zimbabwe opposition claims election victory

In his inauguration speech at the National Sports Stadium in the capital Harare, Mnangagwa stressed his government will accelerate re-engagement with the international community as well as the implementation of policies that boost economic growth.

"Now that the elections are behind us, we must now focus on addressing economic challenges that we face as a nation. It is time for us all to unite as a nation and grow our economy," he said.

Zimbabwean opposition leader Nelson Chamisa speaks to the press after a press conference in Harare, August 2, 2018. /VCG Photo

Mnangagwa also reiterated that his government will have zero tolerance toward corruption and that his government will work tirelessly to improve the quality of life of all Zimbabweans.

His inauguration came after the Constitutional Court on Friday dismissed an application by opposition leader Nelson Chamisa seeking to overturn the declared result in the July 30 polls.

According to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, Mnangagwa polled 50.67 percent of the vote against Chamisa's 44.3 percent.

Chamisa challenged the result alleging various electoral irregularities.

However, the top court dismissed the petition, saying the youthful opposition leader had failed to provide evidence to back his rigging claims.

Responding to the court ruling, Chamisa on Saturday said he would not attend Mnangagwa's inauguration.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Su Hui, also vice chairperson of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), attended Mnangagwa's presidential inauguration ceremony and met the president in Harare on Sunday.

Su congratulated the president on the victory of the election and welcomed Mnangagwa to attend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Beijing.

Mnangagwa said he looks forward to meeting with President Xi in Beijing and wish the summit success in advance.

(With input from agencies)