What the Upcoming Elections Mean for Zimbabwe

For Zimbabwe, these are heady times -- full of hints of opportunity but still overshadowed by decades of repression. The first general elections since the ouster of longtime ruler Robert Mugabe are quickly approaching, and interim President Emmerson Mnangagwa needs a strong mandate to push through his desired -- and likely painful -- reforms. But the opposition senses its best opportunity in years to make waves, and the people and party in power don't want to give up their profits and positions. So can Zimbabwe really pull off these elections without serious fraud and violence? If it can, the country could become an attractive market for Western investment and find itself on the path to a more prosperous future. Thus, the results of the elections and Western perceptions of their fairness will prove crucial....