Zimbabwe's ruling party plays up youthful Mugabe images

Zimbabwe's rulingZanu-PF party is facing criticism for playing up the past in its election campaign by using youthful images of 89-year-old leader Robert Mugabe.

"There's been a spirited attempt to package him as a relatively young, energetic leader who still has vigour to sustain a rigorous election campaign around the countrywho still has a vision of some sort," said Dumisani Muleya, editor of the Zimbabwe Independent.

Mugabe, who hasbeen at the helm ofthe country since 1980, is seeking to extend his 33-year run as leader. Mugabe has said he will step down if he loses the election, which is set to take place Wednesday.

His supporters are lobbying for his re-election, but opponents tell CBC's Mike Finnerty thatMugabe's time is past.

Listen as CBC'sThe Current explores some of the issuesaround theruling party and the opposition as voters prepare to head to the polls.