Mnangagwa lacks social base

Analysts have said VP Mnangagwa who is tipped to succeed President Mugabe will find the going tough against opposition parties as he lacks grassroots support and has no social base.

Political analyst Pedzisai Ruhanya said despite Mnangagwa's experience in politics he will not win any national election as he does not have the full backing from Zanu-PF.

International Crisis Group's southern Africa project director Piers Pigou said Mnangagwa has a history of struggling in elections but said his party machinery is capable of mobilising votes during election.