(TALKZIMBABWE) Zuma congratulates Mugabe on his re-election

South African President Jacob Zuma congratulated President Robert Mugabe on his re-election, urging opposition groups Sunday to accept the results of “the successful harmonised elections.”

President Mugabe romped to victory with over 60 percent of the vote, way above the 50 percent mark needed to avoid a runoff. Zanu-PF party also won a two thirds majority in Parliament, which is needed to amend the country’s laws.

A statement from South Africa’s Foreign Ministry said: “President Zuma urges all political parties in Zimbabwe to accept the outcome of the elections as election observers reported it to be an expression of the will of the people,” it said.

President Zuma’s stance is at odds with the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, all of whom have called into question Wednesday’s presidential and primary polls.

The Southern African Development Community (Sadc), African Union and Comesa have all endorsed the election saying it reflects the will of the people.

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai got 34 percent of the vote.

President Mugabe will lead the nation for another five years.

Tsvangirai called the balloting “a fraudulent and a stolen election” and said he plans to mount a court challenge.

In his statement Sunday, President Zuma said all parties should accept the election’s results because “election observers reported it to be an expression of the will of the people.”

“We encourage the people of Zimbabwe to seize this opportunity to collectively contribute towards building their country driven by a common desire for peace, stability and prosperity,” said President Zuma in the statement.

He said South Africa was ready to continue its relations with Zimbabwe.