Former ally to challenge Mugabe

A senior member of Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party, Simba Makoni, yesterday said he would run for President at the March 29 election in the first major internal challenge to Robert Mugabe in 20 years. Mr Makoni said he had decided to run after...

A senior member of Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party, Simba Makoni, yesterday said he would run for President at the March 29 election in the first major internal challenge to Robert Mugabe in 20 years.

Mr Makoni said he had decided to run after consultations with party members and activists across Zimbabwe. Despite economic turmoil, 83-year-old Mr Mugabe had been expected to win the election against a weak and divided opposition. Mr Makoni will run as an independent because, according to Zanu-PF rules, he will be automatically expelled from the party.

"This is a major political development in that it confirms the fractures within Zanu-PF and that it will enter this election divided," said political commentator Eldred Masunungure.

The former Finance Minister said he and an "overwhelming majority" of Zanu-PF members were disappointed that a congress in December had failed to change the party's leadership.

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