Zimbabwe: Robert Mugabe sworn in for another 5 years

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe during his inauguration, August. 22, 2013. PHOTO/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe has been sworn in for another 5 year term after he was declared winner of the recent presidential elections.

Mugabe, 89, took the oath of office on Thursday at a 60,000-seat sports stadium, which was filled almost to capacity. Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku bedecked him with a green, red, black and gold presidential sash and the gold chain of office.

Mugabe, signed a declaration pledging to protect the rights of the people.

The main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change, said in a statement that it would not attend the event.

Zimbabwe’s state election panel said Mugabe won a landslide victory in the July 31 elections.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press