Why Mugabe Won
Cambridge University Press, 5/31/2017
EAN 9781107117167, ISBN10: 110711716X
Hardcover, 205 pages, 23.5 x 15.2 x 1.4 cm
Language: English
The 2013 general elections in Zimbabwe were widely expected to mark a shift in the nation's political system, and a greater role for the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. However, the results, surprisingly, were overwhelmingly in favour of long-time President Robert Mugabe, who swept the presidential, parliamentary and senatorial polls under relatively credible and peaceful conditions. In this book, a valuable and accessible read for both students and scholars working in African politics, and those with a general interest in the politics of the region, Stephen Chan and Julia Gallagher explore the domestic and international context of these landmark elections. Drawing on extensive research among political elites, grassroots activists and ordinary voters, Chan and Gallagher examine the key personalities, dramatic events, and broader social and political context of Mugabe's success, and what this means as Zimbabwe moves towards a future without Mugabe.
1. Introduction
thinking a new Zimbabwe
2. Building towards the 2013 elections
3. The elections of 2013
4. 'We are tired of supporting a loser'
the MDC campaign
5. 'Zanu managed to mend relationships'
the Zanu-PF campaign
6. Conflicting reports and assessments I
the run-up
7. Conflicting reports and assessments II
the aftermath
8. One year after the elections
9. Succession battles in the new Zimbabwe
Postscript
on reality and rumours.