Tsvangirai showed a lot of character in the 2008 election, which he narrowly won but came short of the required 50 plus one percent required to claim the presidency. His chances, however, have been tainted by his love life, which has exposed him as a womanizer.
Corruption among his party representatives both in parliament and in local government may also work against him. Simba Makoni – The Mavambo, Khusile/Dawn leader has strong links to Zanu (PF) and many believe his standing in the previous election was meant to divide the vote in that party’s favour. He has to work hard to convince Zimbabweans that he is not a Zanu (PF) project.
Welshman Ncube – A well respected academic, he is a strong contender. However, many view his party as a Matabeleland party with narrow interests.
The same perceptions that forced them to invite Mutambara to come all the way from America to lead the party will also come back to haunt him.
Dumiso Dabengwa – The ZAPU leader’s undoing, like Makoni, will be his links to Zanu (PF). Many people believe that he was planted by that party to further divide the vote in Matabeleland, which is an MDC-N stronghold and also has a considerable support for the MDC-T.
Arthur Mutambara – The robotics professor’s political career is in limbo. Mutambara suffered a heavy blow when SADC declared that he must not be regarded as a principal in the GPA. Without a political party to represent, it would be difficult for anyone to trust the energetic Deputy Prime Minister as a presidential candidate.
Post published in: News