THE Zimbabwean Constitutional court has confirmed Emmerson Mnangagwa as the winner of the country’s presidential elections held on July 30, 2018.

The election was conducted after the removal of Robert Mugabe, former President and leader of the ruling party, the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) which ruled Zimbabwe for more than 37 years.

The opposition Movement Democratic Change (MDC) alliance, led by Nelson Chamisa, had asked the court to annul the presidential election results, which it claimed was full of irregularities. The MDC-A alleged that the election result was characterized by incorrect counting and fake polling stations, as well as instances at voting centres where there were more ballots cast than registered voters.

However, the Chief Justice of Zimbabwe, Luke Malaba said on Friday that the opposition had failed to prove fraud accusations during the vote.

“In the final analysis, the court finds the applicant has failed to place before it clear, direct, sufficient, and credible evidence of irregularities,” said Justice Malaba in Harare, according to a report by the Associated Press (AP).

“Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is duly declared winner of the presidential elections,” Malaba ruled.

In a tweet after the court declaration, Mnangagwa said he was not surprised by the court’s declaration.

“I once again reiterate my call for peace and unity above all. Nelson Chamisa, my door is open and my arms are outstretched, we are one nation, and we must put our nation first. Let us all now put our differences behind us. It is time to move forward together,” Mnangagwa wrote.

Chamisa has however expressed disappointment at the ruling. In his tweets a few minutes ago, he wrote: “I hear your cries & feel your pain. I know you feel cheated, but take heart — your victory is not lost. Your will is sacred & we’ll listen to you on the path of peace & course of action to be taken to rescue our beautiful Zimbabwe from the jaws of poverty, corruption & dishonesty.”

The Inauguration of the incumbent President, fixed for August 12, but had been delayed as a result of the legal challenge was immediately scheduled after the court unanimously dismissed the case.

The AP reported that a spokesman for Zimbabwe’s ruling party, said the inauguration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa would be on Sunday, August 26th, 2018 at National Sports Stadium in the capital, Harare, by 10 am or (9 am, the Nigeria time).