PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa appears desperate to legitimise his controversial re-election which has been described by observer missions as “flawed”, analysts have indicated.
Mnangagwa was declared winner of last week’s presidential election, but Citizens Coalition for Change disputes the results alleging vote rigging.
Observers from the African Union, Commonwealth, European Union and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) have said the elections fell short of Zimbabwe’s democratic principles.
Mnangagwa has been on a diplomatic charm offensive summoning ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe to ostensibly sell his re-election to their capitals.
Government on Sunday summoned Sadc ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe and literally read them the riot act, demanding that the Sadc Electoral Observation Mission report presented by its head Nevers Mumba be toned down.
Government also summoned European Union (EU) ambassadors accredited to Harare for a meeting, where it accused the EU Election Observer Mission of bias.
Political analyst Romeo Chasara said Mnangagwa was desperate for legitimacy after the controversial election.
“President Mnangagwa’s desperation for legitimacy is evident in the aftermath of the recent election,” Chasara said.
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“Mnangagwa’s eagerness to gain international recognition is a clear indication that he is aware of the legitimacy deficit his government faces. This desperation is not only a reflection of his desire to solidify his power, but also an acknowledgement of the growing discontent among the Zimbabwean population.”
Political commentator Rashweat Mukundu said Zimbabwe may be further isolated from the family of nations, in particular, the Commonwealth where Mnangagwa sought to be admitted.
“This is the worst electoral process that Zimbabwe has witnessed since 1980 and there is no way that the Commonwealth will see beyond these malpractices,” Mukundu said.
“What the Commonwealth may do is to use its observation report to agree on steps that the Zimbabwean government needs to take towards readmission.”
