Harare, Zimbabwe (CNN) Zimbabwe's former vice president has returned to the country to serve as interim President, vowing to lead the nation into a "new and unfolding democracy" following Robert Mugabe's historic resignation.

Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is scheduled to be sworn in on Friday, arrived at the ruling ZANU-PF party headquarters in the evening to the cheers of thousands of supporters, eager to hear from "The Crocodile," as he is known.

Zimbabwe's incoming leader Emmerson Mnangagwa greets supporters Wednesday in Harare.

Mnangagwa's return comes after a night of euphoric celebration. For the first day in nearly four decades, Zimbabweans experienced life free from Mugabe's iron grip.

"Today we are witnessing the beginning of a new and unfolding democracy," he told his supporters. "The voice of the people is the voice of God."

Mugabe, 93, fired Mnangagwa as his deputy more than two weeks ago, triggering a political firestorm that culminated in his own humiliating defeat on Tuesday. Mnangagwa fled the country after his dismissal.

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