HARARE, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Nine observer missions to Zimbabwe's general elections on Thursday urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to quickly release the results of the presidential election, as restive opposition supporters demonstrated Wednesday alleging that the election was about to be stolen in favour of incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The missions, including the European Union, the African Union and the Commonwealth, also expressed concern over the outbreak of the violence.
"We urge the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), to release the full and detailed results expeditiously, in a transparent and accountable manner. This election presents an opportunity for Zimbabwe to break the cycle of electoral contentions and post-election violence," the missions said.
According to Zimbabwe's electoral law, the result of the presidential election should be released within five days of an election.
ZEC said Thursday that they would release the results as soon as possible.
The situation in the city remained tense Thursday with many businesses remaining closed while in some cases workers were told to go home early in case violence flared again later during the day.
At least three people died when soldiers opened fire on the protesters on Wednesday, with some witnesses alleging that the dead were innocent bystanders.
The observer missions said while recognizing the right to peaceful protest, they condemned vandalism and destruction of property that took place on Wednesday and called on political party supporters to abide by the law.
"We denounce the excessive use of force to quell protests and urge the police and army to exercise restraint.
"We call on the leadership of all political parties and their supporters, in particular the two main parties, ZANU-PF and the MDC Alliance, civil society, faith based organisations, and all other stakeholders to safeguard the integrity of the political and electoral process," they said.
