A new survey reveals Zimbabwe opposition leader Nelson Chamisa is poised to defeat Zanu PF’s Emmerson Mnangagwa in next month’s crunch elections.
The global Elite Africa Project predicts Chamisa would win if the polls are free and fair, according to results released by South African newspaper Daily Maverick.
The poll of 2,000 registered voters found 47.6% would choose Chamisa as president, compared to 38.7% for Mnangagwa.
Chamisa’s supporters in his Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party said the survey points to their need “to work harder” to overcome any “negativity” exposed.
A spokesman said: “Both surveys within a week agree Zanu PF has destroyed Zimbabwe’s infrastructure, economy and social relationships. They have many things in common regardless of numbers.”
However, researchers were warned such polls work best where there is full democracy and freedom of expression – neither of which exist in Robert Mugabe’s former dictatorship now run by Mnangagwa.
Zanu PF bigwigs didn’t answer calls to comment on the sh0ck poll predictions that Mnangagwa, accused of massive electoral fraud and brutal oppression in past votes, could be turfed out of power by the young Turk Chamisa’s uprising.
The survey findings will likely exacerbate tensions in the volatile nation as Zimbabweans wait to see if next month’s vote will mark a historic end to Zanu PF’s disastrous four-decade stranglehold on power.
