'Mnangagwa has a highly technical rigging plan'

OPPOSITION reaction to Wednesday's announcement of the election date was mixed with some parties saying they were ready to send President Emmerson Mnangagwa packing while others demanded progress on electoral reforms.

Mnangagwa confirmed that elections would be held on July 30 with a presidential run-off set for September 8, if required.

Opposition rivals warned that Mnangagwa faces a repeat of what happened in 1979 when UANC leader Abel Muzorewa led then then Zimbabwe-Rhodesia for just six months before the 1980 independence elections.

Transform Zimbabwe leader Jacob Ngarivhume President Mnangagwa would be the "new Muzorewa", providing the electoral playing field is levelled.

MDC-T Khupe vice president Obert Gutu also emphasised the need for an even contest.

"Although opposition political parties are free to hold meetings and rallies anywhere they like in Zimbabwe, the rigging plan seems to be highly technical and sophisticated this time around," he said.

Meanwhile, Zanu-PF Voters Association president Austin Chindeka blamed the party leadership for ignoring advice regarding candidate selection for primary elections.

Chindeka warned that President Mnangagwa might be shocked in the upcoming election as he has been misled by those bent on destroying the party. Chindeke was commenting on the recall of 3 Zanu-PF MPs from parliament.