The leader of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change described official results from Wednesday's election as a sham, and argued that international observers had reached the same conclusion.

It’s not a surprise that these elections have ended up in dispute.

At a press conference, Mr Chamisa, who got 44% of the votes against Mr Mnangagwa's 52.6%, accused the electoral body of announcing false results.

He has not yet provided evidence of his allegations and has a week to take his case to court.

Mr Chamisa said there would be change in Zimbabwe whether President's Mnangagwa's Zanu-PF wanted it or not – he said he would not wait another five years.

Mr Mnangagwa has dismissed international criticism of the poll, and insists that Zimbabwe's election is fair.

Some monitors - including those from southern Africa - said the poll fell short of international standards and the requirements of Zimbabwe's own constitution.