HARARE, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Friday he is not surprised by the constitutional court's decision to confirm him winner of the July 30 presidential poll.
"We were not surprised by the court's decision. The election results were firmly in line with all the pre-election polling, and were entirely consistent with the final tally of ZESN, the largest body of independent observers," he said in a tweet soon after the court's ruling.
Zimbabwe's Constitutional Court on Friday dismissed an application by opposition leader Nelson Chamisa of the MDC Alliance seeking to overturn Mnangagwa's election victory.
Chamisa had challenged the result alleging various electoral irregularities.
Mnangagwa reiterated his call for peace and unity in the country, and extended an olive branch to Chamisa.
"Nelson Chamisa, my door is open and my arms are outstretched, we are one nation, and we must put our nation first. Let us all now put our differences behind us. It is time to move forward together," Mnangagwa said.
The MDC Alliance also said it respected the verdict of the top court in the country.
"As a party, we believe in the rule of law and we respect the verdict of the courts," the party said in a tweet.
It also called for peace in the country.
Mnangagwa is set to be inaugurated on Sunday in accordance with the law.
