By Fortune Tazvida
Robert Mugabe’s deteriorating health is a serious ‘election’ issue and this explains why his Zanu PF party is trying desperately to shield their 87 year old leader from intense speculation surrounding his numerous trips to Asia for medical treatment.
This week Mugabe and his lieutenants denied reports that he had gone to Singapore for a 7th time this year while seeking medical treatment. Previously his office has admitted he has travelled to have cataract operations although recently leaked US diplomatic cables suggest he is suffering from prostate cancer.
Speaking to London based independent SW Radio Africa, political analyst Pedzisai Ruhanya said “Mugabe is Zanu PF’s election candidate and if they are to admit that Mugabe is so sick that for the past 10 months he has been to Asia to look for medical attention it casts aspersions on his suitability as an election candidate.”
“People will doubt him on the basis that how can someone who is always in hospital be an election candidate. So it has dire consequences for Mugabe’s candidacy. Mugabe is already unpopular, will not win an election and this (health) will just worsen his candidature.”
“In 2012 Mugabe will be 88. Surely before Mugabe says anything about what he has to offer or what he doesn’t have to offer, his age and his face are an election issue. He is no longer appealing to the people and his age is not an age where people can invest their future in an 88 year old who is always in and out of hospital,” Ruhanya said.
Commenting on preparations for elections next year Ruhanya said it was important that Registra General Tobaiwa Mudede (Mugabe’s relative) must be kept away from playing any role in the process. “Mudede must not be allowed anywhere near elections because he is a habitual election thief and there is evidence to prove that.” Nehanda Radio.com
