Zimbabwe’s first lady says her 93-year-old husband should name a successor, wading into a subject that President Robert Mugabe has previously regarded as taboo.
State broadcaster ZBC says Grace Mugabe told members of the ruling ZANU-PF party women’s league Thursday that naming a successor “will enable all members to rally behind one candidate.”
Mugabe has repeatedly said he will not choose a successor. The world’s oldest head of state has said he will contest next year’s election. He has led the southern African nation since 1980.
His wife has previously said her husband could rule even from the grave.
This is the first time she has publicly urged Mugabe to name a successor, although she did not say whether her statements were aimed at next year’s election.
