The Latest: Zimbabwe’s election ruling delayed by an hour

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The Latest: Zimbabwe’s election ruling delayed by an hour

2:48 CAT | 24 Aug 2018

Armed Riot police patrol on a street, in Harare, Friday, Aug. 24, 2018. Zimbabwe's constitutional court was set to rule Friday afternoon on the main opposition's challenge to the results of last month's historic presidential election. Security was tight in the capital, Harare, as the court will determine whether President Emmerson Mnangagwa's narrow victory is valid. The opposition claims vote-rigging and seeks either a fresh election or a declaration that its candidate, 40-year-old Nelson Chamisa, won. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

2:15 p.m.

Zimbabwe’s state media say the constitutional court ruling on the disputed presidential election has been delayed by an hour.

The ruling is now expected at 3 p.m. (1300 GMT).

Security is tight in the capital, Harare, as the court will determine whether President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s narrow victory is valid. The opposition claims vote-rigging and seeks either a fresh election or a declaration that its candidate, Nelson Chamisa, won.

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1:25 p.m.

Zimbabwe’s main opposition is expressing concern over reports that preparations have begun for the inauguration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa even before the constitutional court has ruled on its challenge to the election results.

A spokesman has spoken to reporters an hour before the court is set to announce its ruling.

The spokesman says inauguration preparations cannot begin before the court ruling and “that is a problem.”

If the court upholds Mnangagwa’s narrow election victory the inauguration would be held within 48 hours.

An Associated Press reporter sees no preparations at the national stadium in the capital, Harare.

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10:30 a.m.

Zimbabwe’s constitutional court is ruling Friday afternoon on the main opposition’s challenge to the results of last month’s historic presidential election.

A credible vote is key to lifting international sanctions as the southern African nation tries to move away from the long shadow of Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule.

The July 30 vote was peaceful but scenes of the military sweeping into the capital two days later to disperse opposition protesters led to fears that the government of Mnangagwa, a former Mugabe enforcer, was stuck in the past despite declarations of reforms.

Source: The Associated Press