News / National
Mnangagwa sworn in as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe
26 Aug 2018 at 07:33hrs | Views
Emmerson Mnangagwa has been sworn in as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, marking an end to an electoral season that officially began on May 30 when he proclaimed 30 July as the election date.
Thousands of Zimbabweans packed the giant National Sports Stadium to witness the swearing in of the country's second executive leader, who has since pledged to take Zimbabwe into a new political and economic trajectory where economic revival is a priority.
President Mnangagwa first ascended to the helm of the country when former President Robert Mugabe resigned in November last year and with elections due this year, Cde Mnangagwa went for constitutionalism by calling for polls.
The President opened up the electoral process by inviting international observers to the polls for the first time in the country since 2000.
And after the 30 July elections, Cde Mnangagwa prevailed, with most observer missions declaring the process free and fair.
However, MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa challenged the elections but his petition was on Friday thrown out by the Constitutional Court, paving way for President Mnangagwa's inauguration.
Taking his oath of office at the National Sports Stadium before Chief Justice Luke Malaba, President Mnangagwa swore to "be faithful to Zimbabwe, obey, uphold and defend the constitution and all other laws of Zimbabwe …..that I will protect and promote the rights of the people of Zimbabwe."
Witnessing the historic event were several regional leaders including Rwandan leader and AU Chairperson Paul Kagame, South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, Botswana's Mokgweetsi Mosisi, Zambia's Edgar Lungu, Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane, DRC's Joseph Kabila and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
Thousands of Zimbabweans packed the giant National Sports Stadium to witness the swearing in of the country's second executive leader, who has since pledged to take Zimbabwe into a new political and economic trajectory where economic revival is a priority.
President Mnangagwa first ascended to the helm of the country when former President Robert Mugabe resigned in November last year and with elections due this year, Cde Mnangagwa went for constitutionalism by calling for polls.
The President opened up the electoral process by inviting international observers to the polls for the first time in the country since 2000.
However, MDC Alliance leader, Nelson Chamisa challenged the elections but his petition was on Friday thrown out by the Constitutional Court, paving way for President Mnangagwa's inauguration.
Taking his oath of office at the National Sports Stadium before Chief Justice Luke Malaba, President Mnangagwa swore to "be faithful to Zimbabwe, obey, uphold and defend the constitution and all other laws of Zimbabwe …..that I will protect and promote the rights of the people of Zimbabwe."
Witnessing the historic event were several regional leaders including Rwandan leader and AU Chairperson Paul Kagame, South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa, Botswana's Mokgweetsi Mosisi, Zambia's Edgar Lungu, Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Thabane, DRC's Joseph Kabila and former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete.
Source - zbc
