Mnangagwa hails 'new beginning' after Zimbabwe election win

Zimbabwe's president Emmerson Mnangagwa said Friday that he was "humbled" to have won the country's landmark election, hailing it as a "new beginning" after the ousting of autocrat Robert Mugabe.

"Thank you Zimbabwe! I am humbled to be elected President of the Second Republic of Zimbabwe," he said in a Twitter message.

"Though we may have been divided at the polls, we are united in our dreams. This is a new beginning," the message added.

"Let us join hands, in peace, unity & love, & together build a new Zimbabwe for all!"

The message came shortly after Zimbabwe's electoral commission declared Mnangagwa the winner with 50.8% of the vote - avoiding a run-off by the narrowest of margins.