Zimbabwe Court Rules Mugabe Won Election Fairly

Dismisses accusations of vote-rigging

Zimbabwe's constitutional court has ruled that a disputed election which handed Robert Mugabe five more years in power were free and fair, dismissing allegations of vote-rigging.

"The Zimbabwe presidential election held on 31st July, 2013 was in accordance with the laws of Zimbabwe," Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku said on Tuesday. "The said election was free, fair and credible."

The ruling is unlikely to satisfy opponents who complain that the country's institutions are stacked with allies of Mr Mugabe.

It is also at odds with the view of the United States, which on Monday said that the recent polls were flawed and that it would not loosen sanctions against Mr Mugabe's government until there are signs of change in the country.