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Is There Any Opposition Party Capable of Unseating Zanu PF?


President Robert Mugabe with his two deputies, Phelekezela Mphoko (L) and Emmerson Mnangagwa (R). Collage by Ntungamili Nkomo
President Robert Mugabe with his two deputies, Phelekezela Mphoko (L) and Emmerson Mnangagwa (R). Collage by Ntungamili Nkomo

The emergence of various political parties including perceived re-entrance into politics by former Vice President Joice Mujuru has set the political arena in Zimbabwe on fire.

With opposition parties vying to unseat President Robert Mugabe’s Zanu PF party in the 2018 elections, observers are wondering whether there is any formidable party that can unseat the ruling party.

Dr. Alex Magaisa, political analyst and law professor at Kent University in Britain, said the political landscape in Zimbabwe remains stimulating as all political parties prepare for the 2018 elections.

"We are getting to that point where there’s got to be indications of how Zimbabwe will transit from the leadership of President Mugabe and naturally the different political players, different leaders come to the fore,” said Magaisa.

He said with the splits in both the ruling and opposition parties, and emergence of new political parties like the newly formed People’s Democratic Party, there is a changing dynamic to the political landscape.

Zanu PF member and political analyst, Gadzirai Chirumanzu, said there is nothing to write home about on the new political parties, in particular the expected party to be launched by former Vice President Mujuru, adding as a free country it is okay to have many political players.

He said the expanding opposition political scene may play in the advantage of the ruling party.

“It is good for Zanu PF and President Mugabe because like in any situation if you have many people fighting for a piece of cake, definitely the one who is in charge will simply romp into victory with ease. You find that those people who have been supporting Morgan Tsvangirai who are not happy with what he is doing, they might be supporting Dr. Joice Mujuru,” said Chirumanzu.

In Dr. Magaisa’s perspective, regardless of what team these political players are in, it’s time for opposition parties to formulate political strategies to unseat Zanu PF.

“I think it’s just simple the opposition entities need to form a coalition in order to overcome a party that has been in power for a long time and has its tentacles in every sphere.”

And as for Zanu PF, Magaisa said even coming off the heels of expelling Mrs. Mujuru and her colleagues, the party is still faced with internal struggles and to resist any surge of opposition, will have to restore their house to order.

Panel With Gadzira Chirumhanzu and Alex Magaisa
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