A man has reportedly been shot dead by the army in Zimbabwe as people protest against election results which have given the ruling Zanu-PF party a big parliamentary majority.

A photographer from the AFP news agency said the man died at the scene in Harare after being shot in the stomach.

Soldiers arrived after police got into running battles with protesters, who threw stones and burned tyres.

Witnesses said an army helicopter was flying above the country's capital.

Image: Soldiers opened fire to disperse protesters in Harare

Sky News Africa correspondent John Sparks said tear gas had been used to disperse protesters. Water cannon has also been deployed.


One protester, Norest Kemvo, said he was "beaten by soldiers" after making a "peaceful protest".

"This is our government," he said. "This is exactly why we wanted change. They are stealing our election."

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for calm.

Image: Tear gas has been used to disperse protesters

"We must all demonstrate patience and maturity, and act in a way that puts our people and their safety first," Mr Mnangagwa tweeted.

Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi said the army was present "not to intimidate people but to ensure that law and order is maintained".

"They are there as a people's army to ensure that peace and security prevails," he added.

Zanu-PF has won two thirds of the seats in parliament, enabling it to change the country's constitution.

Mugabe tries to sabotage Mnangagwa

Led by Mr Mnangagwa, Zanu-PF took most rural constituencies, according to official results, while the opposition MDC achieved victories in urban areas.

MDC leader Nelson Chamisa tweeted that he won the "popular vote" in the presidential election.

The country's electoral commission had been expected to announce the result of the presidential election from 11.30am UK time on Wednesday, but this is not now expected to happen until Thursday.

Before polling day, Mr Mnangagwa promised a free and fair vote and invited international observers.

But according to observers from the EU, the elections were beset by instances of media bias, voter intimidation, and mistrust in the country's electoral commission.

Image: Election officials tally presidential candidates' ballots during counting

At some stages the commission appeared to be one-sided, the EU's chief observer, Elmar Brok, said.

The elections are Zimbabwe's first since Robert Mugabe was ousted after 37 years in power.

Mr Mugabe voted in Harare alongside his wife Grace, following a surprise news conference in which he called on supporters to reject his former party, Zanu-PF.

Mr Mnangagwa faces an unemployment crisis following the collapse of agriculture.

Other concerns include hyperinflation and an exodus of investment.