Zuma congratulates Mugabe on his re-election

South African President Jacob Zuma, who is supposed to be the gatekeeper on Zimbabwe’s transition, today congratulated Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on his re-election.

Mugabe’s re-election is being challenged by the West with the European Union, Britain, Australia and the United States saying the results did not reflect the will of the people.

Mugabe polled 61 percent of the votes to win the elections.

Zuma urged all political parties in Zimbabwe to accept the outcome of the elections as election observers reported it to be an expression of the will of the people.

South Africans are worried that the Zimbabwe elections are not just about Zimbabwe but could also be the way that South Africa will take.

Full statement:

President Jacob Zuma congratulates President Robert Mugabe

04 August 2013

H.E President Jacob Zuma extends his profound congratulations to HE President Robert G Mugabe on his re-election as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe following the successful harmonised elections held on 31 July 2013. President Zuma urges all political parties in Zimbabwe to accept the outcome of the elections as election observers reported it to be an expression of the will of the people.

Further, President Zuma commends the people of Zimbabwe for conducting a peaceful election. President Zuma also encourages the people of Zimbabwe to seize this opportunity to collectively contribute towards building their country driven by a common desire for peace, stability and prosperity.

President Zuma concludes by expressing South Africa’s readiness to continue to partner with Zimbabwe in pursuit of a mutually beneficial cooperation. South Africa and Zimbabwe enjoy strong, solid and cordial historical relations.

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