Here's What Zimbabweans are Saying About Mnangagwa's Highly Contested Win

A historic election meant to put Zimbabwe on a new path following the ousting of Robert Mugabe, may have taken a different turn.

Following the announcement that Mugabe's successor Earnest Mnangagwa had won the poll, opposition leader Nelson Chamisa held a press conference which police forces initially tried to suppress. They later claimed that they were misinformed and thought that an unlawful protest was taking place. Mnangwa denounced the events stating that they "have no place in our society."

On Friday afternoon, Chamisa's addressed journalists, calling the election "a coup against the people's will." He contested the poll—which put Mnangagwa's portion of the vote at 50.3 percent—claiming that he has evidence that ballots had been tampered with. He announced plans to challenge the result.

Meanwhile, president-elect Mnangawa has fully accepted victory, "thank you Zimbabwe! I am humbled to be elected President of the Second Republic of Zimbabwe. Though we may have been divided at the polls, we are united in our dreams," he wrote on Twitter. "This is a new beginning. Let us join hands, in peace, unity & love, & together build a new Zimbabwe for all!

Mnangawa is holding a press conference today as well.

The unrest caused by heightening political tensions, led to the death of six people on Thursday in clashes between the police and protesters in Harare, reports BBC Africa.

While some Zanu-FP supporters are celebrating the win, many Zimbabweans who were hoping for a more peaceful election, have expressed disappointment on social media and remain critical of the result.