Zimbabwe’s opposition parties have since independence in 1980 been accused of failing to craft a formidable front to wrestle power from President Robert Mugabe’s ruling Zanu PF party, which has ruled the country for more than 35 years.
Some critics argue that the parties are too ideologically fragmented to challenge Zanu PF, currently facing an internal strife that is threatening to tear it into factions – one allegedly led by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and another said to be sympathetic to First Lady Grace Mugabe, and calling itself Generation 40 or G40.
The factions are fighting over the succession of 91-year old President Mugabe, who has already been handpicked by his party for the 2018 presidential poll. He will be 94 when he contests that election.
The big question is: Are Zimbabwe’s opposition parties watching the Zanu PF succession wars while the country is almost crumbling?
For perspective, Studio 7 reached George Mkwananzi, deputy spokesperson of the People’s Democratic Party, and Gibson Moyo, Bulawayo regional coordinator of the National Constitutional Assembly.
Mkwananzi says some opposition parties are not watching political conflicts in Zanu PF as they are busy attempting to entice ruling party members to join them.
