Zimbabwe elections: the choice

After 33 years of Mugabe reign, Zimbabwe is set to go to the polls for the most important elections for a generation. Here we profile the incumbent, and his presidential challengers.

President of Zimbabwe, leader of Zanu-PF

Africa’s oldest serving president, 89, is regarded by critics, after 33 years in power, as a virtual dictator. Despite his age and rumours of ill health, he is determined to win outright after wearying of coalition compromises. The carpenter’s son was a guerrilla leader in the fight against minority white rule and a national hero when elected in 1980 but is now blamed for turning a prosperous country into a basket case where children suffer malnutrition. His land reforms provoked violence and saw US and European sanctions imposed.

Prime minister, Movement for Democratic Change leader

In 15 years of outspoken opposition to Mugabe, Tsvangirai, 61, has survived multiple assassination bids and incarceration. He pulled out of the 2008 presidential election despite being ahead in the first round, blaming violent attacks on his supporters. He started out in 1980 as a Mugabe cheerleader, but his trade union leadership brought them into conflict. He founded the MDC to campaign for democratic reform. In 2009 he joined a coalition government, weeks after his wife died in a car crash.

Leader of MDC — Mutambara

Law professor Ncube, leads a breakaway MDC party and campaigned for devolution to the regions. Popular with areas and tribes that have suffered under Mugabe, at 52 he is running for the first time for president. Since 2009 he has been industry minister in the coalition.

President of the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (Zapu)

Another Mugabe ally who became a diehard enemy, the 73-year-old is a former home affairs minister. In the battle against white rule, he was intelligence chief of Zipra, the armed wing of the original Zapu. He broke with Mugabe in 2008 and this is his first bid for the presidency.

President of the Zimbabwe Development Party

A businessman and, at 43, the youngest candidate. Mukwazhi says he respects Mugabe, but that change is needed to revive the economy, end corruption and restore Zimbabwe on the world stage. He joined Mugabe’s party in 1997 but left to form the ZDP after disputes about election candidates.