Saviour Kasukuwere, a former Cabinet minister and ZANU-PF political commissar, has announced his intention to contest the August 2023 presidential elections.
Kasukuwere, who currently resides in self-imposed exile in South Africa, shared photos on social media last week of himself with former ministers Walter Mzembi, Patrick Zhuwao and Nkosana Moyo. In posts on Twitter, New Alliance Zimbabwe said Zimbabweans should “brace” for surprises this election season.
However, political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya told a local daily, NewsDay, it would be dangerous for ZANU-PF to allow Kasukuwere to contest.
“If that happens, then Mnangagwa is gone,” Ngwenya said.
“But I can tell you, Mnangagwa and his allies are busy doing what they can to stop Kasukuwere from contesting,” Ngwenya added.
“If he does, he will divide the Zanu PF vote.”
Ngwenya noted chances are slim Kasukuwere will make it past the nomination stage, citing Mnangagwa’s unwillingness to allow him to contest.
“Chances are very slim. Mnangagwa won’t fold his hands and let it happen,” said Ngwenya.
Kasukuwere’s presidential bid and formation of a new alliance have been seen as attempts to shake up Zimbabwe’s political landscape ahead of the August elections. But questions remain over whether he will be allowed to contest and if he could potentially split the ZANU-PF vote.
While Kasukuwere has flagged his intent to run, the key hurdle will be officially registering his candidacy and nomination. For now, some analysts cast doubt over whether he will make it that far.
