Violence has broken out in Harare, capital of Zimbabwe as results of the general election held in the country on Monday show that the Zanu-PF has won a two third majority in the parliament.
Zanu-PF is the party of Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe’s immediate past President, and his successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa. The result of the presidential election is still being awaited.
Supporters of the opposition MDC Alliance protested in the capital, Harare, alleging that the ruling party has rigged the election, but security officials used tear gas, water canons and live fire to try to disperse the angry crowd.
The BBC reports that one man was killed after he was hit by a bullet.
“The crowds had been there since the morning but when news came that Zanu-PF had won the majority of seats in parliament and that the presidential results were not ready, the mood turned,” the report read in part.
The protesters burned tyres along major roads as they chanted “we want Chamisa”. Nelson Chamisa, is the presidential candidate for the opposition MDC Alliance.
Mdc alliance people demonstrating pic.twitter.com/ogo5LR11qR
— farai kachidza (@fatsoe) August 1, 2018
The MDC Alliance said the Zanu-PF was attempting to rig the vote to allow President Mnangagwa to win, adding that the delay in releasing official results was unacceptable.
More than five million Zimbabweans had registered to vote, and reports say voter turnout was as high as 70 per cent.
International observers led by the European Union have criticised the delay in announcing the presidential election result, but also said there was an “improved political climate” in the country, even though there were incidences of voter intimidation and signs of mistrust in the electoral commission.
President Mnangagwa has called for restraint, urging all concerned parties to “demonstrate patience and maturity, and act in a way that puts our people and their safety first”.
At this crucial time, I call on everyone to desist from provocative declarations and statements. We must all demonstrate patience and maturity, and act in a way that puts our people and their safety first. Now is the time for responsibility and above all, peace
— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) August 1, 2018