Zimbabwe first post-Mugabe election

Zimbabwe holds presidential and parliamentary elections in which the top two contenders promise to revive an economy ruined under Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule

 
Emmerson Mnangagwa, 75
Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF)

1942: Born in Zvishavane, mining town in then British colony of Southern Rhodesia
1960s: Joins fight against white minority rule. Nicknamed “the crocodile” due to political shrewdness and ruthlessness
1965: Tortured by Rhodesian forces for blowing up train. Jailed for 10 years with other nationalists including Robert Mugabe
1980s: Spymaster during civil conflict that kills thousands of civilians. Denies any role in massacres
2008: Accused of masterminding attacks on opposition supporters during presidential election
Nov 2017: Takes over as president after Mugabe is forced from office


Nelson Chamisa, 40
Movement For Democratic Change (MDC)

1978: Born in town of Masvingo two years before Zimbabwe gains independence. Studies law, international relations and political science
1999: Founder member of MDC, becoming party’s youth leader
2003: Elected to parliament at age 25
2008: Serves as information and technology minister during troubled power-sharing government
2007: Suffers fractured skull when beaten up in crackdown on opposition
2016: Graduates as pastor following theology degree
Feb 2018: Becomes party leader after messy succession battle following death of long-time leader Morgan Tsvangirai
  
                                                                                                             Sources: BBC, Reuters, FT, Al-Jazeera Pictures: AP, Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS