Ray Nkosi | Outspoken MDC politician Eddie Cross who had recently given a thumbs up to President Emmerson Mnangagwa saying he was the best option for Zimbabwe, is now opting to support Nelson Chamisa.

At the time that the late MDC leader was struggling with his health, Cross had urged him to resign and at the same time writing of a power vacuum in the opposition that only Mnangagwa would fill.

Wrote Cross last December, “Mnangagwa is in absolute control of the State and I think he is going to deliver. One of the key elements behind this strategy is that he knows the opposition is in shambles. The other thing he knows full well is that only a democratically elected Government will be recognised by the International Community and recovery and reconstruction of the Zimbabwe State and Economy is not possible without that.”

However, in an interview today with the Daily News not only does Cross believe MDC Vice President Thokozani Khupe should be dsciplined, he also puts forward that Chamisa stands a better political chance than Mnangagwa.

Turning to the forthcoming election, Cross said President Emmerson Mnangagwa will face a tough election opponent in the name of Chamisa.

He said Mnangagwa has to fulfil his promises he made to the people upon his inauguration or risk facing a humiliating defeat.

“I think ED (Mnangagwa) has a real battle on his hands and will struggle against Chamisa. An upset is very possible especially if ED is unable to deliver.”

Cross has a reputation of being open-minded and forthright, which has earned him friends and foes alike.

Last year, he escaped disciplinary action by a whisker after he openly spoke about Tsvangirai’s health, which conservative members of the MDC felt was too intrusive.