Gukurahundi will haunt Mnangagwa in 2023

THERE is no doubt that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has failed to address key economic issues and implement electoral reforms as recommended by various observer missions in the 2018 polls.

Mnangagwa grabbed power through a coup and time bombs are ready to explode. Unfortunately, for him they are exploding before he has even finished his first term. The vanquished G40 faction is refusing to throw in the towel without hitting back.

Mnangagwa's acid test will be conducting a free, fair and credible election that will pass regional and international standards.

The thorny Gukurahundi issue is haunting his administration, particularly himself. The people of Matabeleland and Midlands are demanding answers. If Mnangagwa fails to deal and seal a deal on the emotive Gukurahundi issue, that would mark the end of his presidency.

While Mnangagwa thinks he might emerge stronger in Masvingo and Midlands provinces, he is likely to get the shock of his life in all the provinces where the opposition has gained popularity. There is also a cross section of people in Mashonaland who are bitter at the manner the late former President Robert Mugabe was "pushed" out of office. These won't forgive Mnangagwa and will cast a protest vote.

In the end, a cornered Zanu-PF might end up resorting to old gods: violence, intimidation, torture, displacement, harassment, murder etc resulting in another disputed poll. Let us hope that under Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe won't witness another violent poll again in 2023.

Although Mnangagwa has made a lot of strides and positives, especially in infrastructure development, but without implementing electoral reforms, he is most likely to be bashed by the MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa.