Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa gets ruling party’s backing for another term

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has secured his party’s backing to be its candidate in next year’s elections.

The ruling Zanu-PF unanimously selected Mnangagwa on Friday for another five-year term at a conference in Harare. The decision solidifies 80-year-old Mnangagwa’s grip on the party he’s led since succeeding Robert Mugabe as president five years ago.

Nick Mangwana, the secretary for information and publicity, confirmed Mnangagwa’s re-election by text message. The ruling party’s resolutions will be formally published later, he said. The four-day elective congress ends on Saturday.

Party spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa did not immediately respond to calls for comment.

Mnangagwa is expected to face Nelson Chamisa, leader of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change, in the election. Mnangagwa defeated his rival in a disputed vote in 2018 and the opposition has since fractured, with Chamisa forming a new party after losing control of the Movement for Democratic Change.

Mnangagwa has presided