Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has made a bold promise to his supporters: vote for his ruling ZANU-PF party and you’ll guarantee yourself a place in heaven.

Mnangagwa made the promise at a political rally in Harare on Saturday, as he seeks a second term in office in elections scheduled for later this month. He said that those who vote for ZANU-PF will be “rewarded in heaven” for their loyalty to the party.

The promise has been met with mixed reactions. Some supporters have welcomed it, saying that it is a sign of Mnangagwa’s commitment to the people of Zimbabwe. Others have dismissed it as a cynical ploy to win votes.

International rights groups have condemned Mnangagwa’s administration for its crackdown on opposition. They say that the government has used police and courts to suppress dissent, and that there is a real risk of violence in the run-up to the election.

The upcoming election is seen as a key test for Mnangagwa’s commitment to democracy. If he is re-elected, it will be a sign that he has consolidated his power and that there is little hope for change in Zimbabwe. However, if he is defeated, it could spark a new wave of political instability.

The world is watching closely as Zimbabwe prepares for its election. The outcome of the vote will have a significant impact on the country’s future.