Zimbabwe Constitutional Court to hear opposition challenge of election results
Today, Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court will hear the opposition’s challenge to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s victory in last month’s election.
It is unclear which way the court will rule. Its three options are to throw the opposition’s case out, declare a new winner, such as runner-up Nelson Chamisa, or hold another election. Regardless, Zimbabwe is set for further political turbulence, which will continue to undermine investor confidence.
Indeed, the opposition may reject the court’s decision if it decides to throw the case out, likely sparking violent protests— six people have been killed since the election. Of course, Mnangagwa may also reject any decision that threatens his presidency, which could be more disastrous given he has the backing of the military.
A revote is also undesirable—the point of last month’s election was to show the international community (and investors in particular) that the country is making democratic progress. With foreign investment, IMF support and the lifting of sanctions hinging on Zimbabwe demonstrating political stability, another election so soon could be devastating for the country’s prospects of reviving its debilitated economy.
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