Zim opposition stalwart predicts Mnangagwa victory – report

2018-07-30 09:24
Zimbabwe's incumbent President and candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa (R) arrives for his closing presidential campaign rally in Harare two days ahead of the elections. (File, AFP)

Zimbabwe's incumbent President and candidate Emmerson Mnangagwa (R) arrives for his closing presidential campaign rally in Harare two days ahead of the elections. (File, AFP)

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Zimbabwean top opposition lawmaker Eddie Cross has reportedly predicted a massive victory for Emmerson Mnangagwa in the country’s most contested plebiscite on Monday.

According to New Zimbabwe.com, the outgoing Movement for Democratic change lawmaker also praised his party boss Nelson Chamisa for putting up a good fight.

Cross, however, said that the country's ruling Zanu-PF presidential candidate was likely going to emerge victorious after the polls as he has revived the country’s hopes.

"We will see on Monday, but I think Emmerson will get majority. I think Chamisa has done a good fight, but he is not going to win majority," Cross was quoted as saying.

The 78-year-old opposition stalwart was set to retire from politics at the end of his tenure this month.

He urged Mnangagwa to staff his next cabinet with competent individuals.

 A credible vote could help Zimbabwe shed its longtime status as a global pariah and spur recovery for its collapsed economy, while a contentious election would prevent the lifting of years of international sanctions, a report by Associated Press said.

Past elections under former president Robert Mugabe were marred by violence and intimidation against the opposition and by alleged vote-rigging.

Foreign observers were shunned.

Now dozens of foreign observers are spreading throughout the country, including teams from the United States, the European Union, the Commonwealth and the African Union.

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