By Paul Nyathi|Incumbent president Emmerson Mnangagwa is praising what he calls “a beautiful expression of freedom and democracy” as counting continues at the historic polls held on Monday.

In a tweet, Emmerson Mnangagwa says millions have voted in “mutual respect and peace”.

He has also urged the country to wait patiently for the electoral commission to announce the results.

Final results are expected within five days but an indication of the outcome is expected sometime on Tuesday.

The election is the first since long-time leader Robert Mugabe stepped down in November under military pressure after 37 years in power.

Past elections were marked by violence and irregularities which were very minimal in this year’s elections.

Zimbabweans hope a credible vote will lift years of international sanctions and revive a shattered economy.