Zanu-PF post-Mugabe poses threat to Zimbabwe’s opposition

WITH Zimbabwe holding elections this year, the opposition had been feeling cautiously optimistic – until its arch-enemy, Robert Mugabe, was ousted from power.

The main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), faces the threat of a revived Zanu-PF party at polls that look set to further cement one-party rule.

Veteran MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai was among the most prominent critics of Mugabe and Zanu-PF, but he has been forced out of the action by colon cancer.

The party’s history of splits has returned, despite an agreement last year enabling the MDC to lead a united opposition into the polls.

“It is going to be an uphill task for the MDC, facing Zanu-PF which is being transformed under its new leadership,” Harare-based political analyst Alexander Rusero said.

“Without Tsvangirai, there is no figure who can make a meaningful impact in terms of challenging the ruling party.”

Mugabe’s downfall in November – and former deputy president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rise to succeed him – gave many Zimbabweans some hope of change after decades of authoritarian rule.

Mnangagwa is a long-time Mugabe ally and a Zanu-PF veteran hardliner. But he has vowed to fight corruption, revive the moribund econThe

omy and hold fair elections – messages that may be popular for many voters fearful of abrupt change.

The new president said last week that elections would be held before July, earlier than expected.

vote will choose the president and both houses of parliament.

Under Mugabe, who had ruled since 1980, elections were marred by vote-rigging, intimidation and violent suppression of the opposition.

Mnangagwa has promised to allow international observers, and to accept the result if he loses – a scenario observers say is unlikely.

Former trade unionist Tsvangirai, 65, is by far the opposition’s most recognisable face, but chemotherapy has left him frail and he has hinted at retirement.

“It is unfortunate that Tsvangirai is not well and not able to lead the MDC in this crucial election,” Zimbabwe Democratic Institute analyst Rushweat Mukundu said.

“A resounding defeat could even spell the end of the MDC, especially if the Mnangagwa government resolves some of the economic hardships affecting Zimbabweans.”

The MDC once posed a formidable challenge to Zanu-PF.

But bickering among MDC deputies Nelson Chamisa, Elias Mudzuri and Thokozani Khupe could tear the party apart for the third time since its formation in 1999.

The tensions have undermined efforts to have a unified opposition for the elections.

“With the confusion in the MDC, Mnangagwa’s main opposition is from the economy,” independent political analyst Maxwell Saungweme said. – AFP