Political Reporter

A poll conducted on Twitter by the Newsday newspaper concluded that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will heavily defeat his opponents in next month's elections.

The poll, which was conducted between July 15 and 17, 2023, asked Twitter users who they would vote for in the upcoming elections.

President Mnangagwa received 71% of the votes, followed by Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) with 23%, Douglas Mwonzora of the MDC-T with 5%, and independent presidential candidate Saviour Kasukuwere with 1%.

The Newsday poll is the latest in a series of polls that have shown President Mnangagwa in a comfortable lead.

A poll conducted by Afrobarometer last month also showed President Mnangagwa with a lead of over 60%.

Political analyst, Gilbert Muchenje said that the Newsday poll was a significant development in the run-up to the upcoming elections.

"The Newsday poll is a significant development in the run-up to the upcoming elections. It suggests that President Mnangagwa is in a strong position to win re-election. However, it is important to note that polls are not always accurate, and the outcome of the elections will ultimately depend on the turnout of voters," said Muchenje.

Muchenje added that the fact that ZANU-PF had been able to mobilise large crowds at its rallies was a positive sign for the party. He said the massive developments undertaken by the ZANU-PF Government across the country would propel the ruling Party to a comfortable victory during next month’s elections.

The Newsday poll comes as ZANU-PF is conducting voter mobilisation rallies across the country. The Party's recent Masvingo Provincial Star Rally was attended by a record 124,000 people.