Publication

This paper surveys the political stakes and the internal rifts in ZANU-PF, Zimbabwe's ruling party, as President Robert Mugabe prepares to appoint a new vice president. The author argues that the appointment will indicate who Mugabe prefers as his successor in the party and the government. The author also points out that while the competition continues, Zimbabwean economy is nearing collapse. The article explains that, especially because so many people in politics are invested in the economy, a negotiated settlement between the two main political parties presents the best way of moving Zimbabwe on from the political stalemate.