The Facts
On Sunday, Zimbabwe's prominent opposition leader accused the ruling party of "blatant and gigantic fraud" in the country's elections after incumbent Pres. Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared the winner.
The allegation comes after Mnangagwa was re-elected for a second and final five-year term with 52.6% of the vote. Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens' Coalition for Change secured 44% of the ballots.
The Spin
Narrative A
Zimbabwe's elections were the most peaceful the country has seen in a long time. The role of international observers is to provide an objective account of the proper conduct of elections, not to serve foreign interests and undermine the legislature of a sovereign state. Also, Chamisa tried to intimidate voters and threatened violence if he lost the election to Mnangagwa again. However, Zimbabweans were not deterred and exercised their democratic right in large numbers.
Narrative B
Not only did Zimbabwe's elections occur in a climate of fear, but the government also weaponized the judiciary to ensure its electoral victory through undemocratic means. Therefore, the West can't normalize relations with Harare and must maintain the country's isolation under the leadership of Mugabe's former confidant Mnangagwa. A government that rules through violence, looting, and impunity must not be a part of the international community.
