A senior member of Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU-PF party, Simba Makoni, said on Tuesday he would run for president at the March 29 election in the first major internal challenge to Robert Mugabe in 20 years.
Makoni said he had decided to run after consultations with party members and activists across Zimbabwe. Despite economic turmoil, 83-year-old Mugabe had been expected to win the election against a weak and divided opposition. Makoni will run as an independent because, according to ZANU-PF rules, he will be automatically expelled from the party.
"This is a major political development in that it confirms the fractures within ZANU-PF and that it will enter this election divided," said political commentator Eldred Masunungure. The former finance minister said he and an "overwhelming majority" of ZANU-PF members were disappointed that a congress in December had failed to change the party's leadership.
"I have accepted the call and hereby advise the people of Zimbabwe that I offer myself as a candidate for the office of President of Zimbabwe in the forthcoming elections," Makoni, who turns 58 on March 26, told a news conference.