Can one of the alliances beat Zanu PF?

Several opposition parties in Zimbabwe have decided to challenge the ruling government as coalitions.

Three alliances will contest the July 30 elections. These are, the People’s Rainbow Coalition (PRC) led by the former Vice President Joice Mujuru, the MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa and The Coalition for Democrats (CODE) led by Elton Mangoma.

The alliance system in Africa has achieved mixed results.

Collaboration among opposition parties has yielded change four times. It worked in Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

Liberia’s George Weah rode on a coalition of sorts to win the election after a run off.

It remains to be seen if the same would happen in Zimbabwe.

According to the latest Afro barometer surveys, a run off is likely.

Alliances do not always work however. In Kenya, a “super alliance” called NASA lost heavily to Uhuru Kenyatta’s JUBILEE in 2017.

In Zimbabwe, Zanu PF still enjoys massive support and its structure has fought off a more organised opposition.