Mnangagwa is not electable

THERE is no doubt that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has failed to address key historical domestic issues and he will lose the 2023 presidential elections by a wide margin. There won’t be any need for a runoff.

The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa, who has regained his mojo, will complicate the Zanu PF leader's winning chances.

Mnangagwa inherited a throne loaded with pitching powder and time bombs ready to explode.

Unfortunately for him they are exploding.

The vanquished G40 faction is refusing to throw in the towel and is hitting back.

Mnangagwa’s acid test will be conducting a free, fair and credible elections according to regional and international standards.

Agree to step down in the event of losing the polls and he would have, indeed, taken Zimbabwe to its rightful place.

The thorny Gukurahundi issue is haunting his administration, particularly himself.

The Matabeleland region needs an “answer” if not total resolution and recourse.

If Mnangagwa fails to seal a deal on the emotive Gukurahundi issue, he must kiss goodbye to Matabeleland votes.

While Mnangagwa might emerge stronger in Masvingo and Midlands provinces, he is likely to lose big time in all the provinces where the opposition, especially CCC, has roots.

There is also a cross-section of people in Mashonaland who are bitter about the manner the late former President Robert Mugabe was “chased” out of office.

These won’t forgive Mnangagwa and will cast a protest vote.

The way the government has dealt with teacher incapacitation is going to haunt Zanu PF in the 2023 elections.

The resurgence of politically-motivated violence in Harare East is cause for concern.

This is a clear sign that Zanu PF will always use force when faced with defeat. But this time, defeat is certain for Zanu PF as disgruntled workers in government and the private sector might vote for the opposition.

In the end, a cornered Zanu PF might resort to old gods: violence, intimidation, torture, displacement, harassment, murder, rape, etc resulting in another disputed poll.

Let us hope that we won’t have a repeat of the 2018 post-election killings.

Even without addressing crucial domestic issues and reforming, Mnangagwa is likely to be bashed by Chamisa in the March 26 byelections and beyond.