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Alexander Lukashenko

Herald Reporter
Belarus, Turkey and the State of Palestine have become the latest countries to congratulate President Mugabe following his resounding victory at the July 31 harmonised elections. Several other Heads of State have already congratulated the Zanu-PF First Secretary after he garnered 61,09 percent of the Presidential vote, giving him another five-year mandate to govern the country.

Belarus President Mr Alexander Lukashenko said he was confident that Zimbabwe would continue to develop under the leadership of President Mugabe.

“I sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of your re-election as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe,” he said. “Please accept, Your Excellency, my sincere wishes of good health and successful tenure, prosperity and well-being to the friendly people of Zimbabwe as well as the assurances of my highest consideration.”

President Lukashenko said he was looking forward to the expansion of constructive dialogue between the two countries in order to strengthen comprehensive co-operation for the benefit of the people of Belarus and Zimbabwe.

Turkish President Mr Abdullah Gul also congratulated President Mugabe.
“Your Excellency, on the occasion of your re-election as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, I would like to extend my congratulations. It is my firm belief that the relations between our two countries will further develop and strengthen during your tenure of office.

“I would like to reiterate my best wishes for the well-being and prosperity of the people of Zimbabwe,” said President Gul.
President of the State of Palestine Mr Mahmoud Abbas also joined the other Heads of State in congratulating the Zanu-PF First Secretary following his victory.

“It gives us great pleasure to congratulate your Excellency in the name of the State of Palestine, its people and in my own name on your election as President of the friendly Republic of Zimbabwe for a new term.

“Wishing Your Excellency all the success in achieving the goals of your people of prosperity and development.
“And assuring Your Excellency continuous co-operation for the best interests of our two peoples and countries and consolidating historic relations of friendship that exist between us.

“Please accept Your Excellency, our sincere congratulations and best wishes to you of good and health and happiness,” said President Abbas.
President Mugabe won the Presidential race by 61, 09 percent while MDC-T Mr Tsvangirai polled 33,94 percent. Zanu-PF clinched 160 seats out of the 210 National Assembly constituencies to give the revolutionary party a crushing 76 percent dominance in the Lower House.

After factoring in 60 women’s quota seats filled through proportional representation of six for each of the 10 provinces, the final composition of the 270-member National Assembly comes to 197 seats for Zanu-PF, 70 for MDC-T, two for MDC, and one independent, giving Zanu-PF just under 73 percent of the total seats in the National Assembly, but well over the two thirds majority of 180 seats.