China, considered by many to be a close ally of President Robert Mugabe, said it hopes Zimbabwe’s political parties will accept the results of last Wednesday’s election.
Report by Staff Reporter
The veteran ruler won with a landslide victory. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying made the remarks in response to a question about China’s position on Zimbabwe’s general election. Over three million Zimbabweans went to the polls to elect a President, 210 legislators and nearly 2 000 local councillors. According to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission President Robert Mugabe won two-thirds of the votes.
The Chinese government sent an observer mission to Zimbabwe led by former Chinese envoy on Africa affairs, Liu Guijin, Hua said. The mission described the election as peaceful, orderly and credible. “China congratulates Zimbabwe for the success of the election,” she said, adding that it appreciated the Zimbabwean people’s patriotic zeal.
