Zimbabwe's historic elections: a look at the best candidates

It is now a close race for the presidency in Zimbabwe as the country goes to the polls Monday. Here is an overview of the two leading candidates who are trying to lead the once prosperous South African nation out of the shadow of former leader Robert Mugabe, who resigned in November under military pressure.

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PRESIDENT EMMERSON MNANGAGWA [19659002] Party: ZANU-PF in power

Nicknamed "the Crocodile" for his guerrilla activities during the war of liberation and for his years of application from Mugabe, Mnangagwa tried to portray himself as a reformer with promises of a free election and just after past votes was marked by violence and irregularities. After being sacked last year by Mugabe in the midst of a feud within the ruling party, the army rallied behind him to help get Mugabe out. Mnangagwa asked the country to let the past pass, but many remember his role as national security minister during the Matabeleland massacres in the 1980s when the army killed thousands of people while Mugabe was fighting against a political rival. Mnangagwa has repeatedly stated that Zimbabwe has been "open for business" since coming to power, but a credible election is the key to lifting international sanctions and opening the door to the investment needed in a country whose economy is one of a kind. Has long since collapsed

. ] NELSON CHAMISA

Age: 40

Party: Movement for Democratic Change

The attorney and pastor emerged to lead the main opposition party after the death earlier this year of its leader Morgan Tsvangirai, who had been Mugabe's first challenger in the elections. Chamisa now has the support of a coalition of parties including one supported by Mugabe and members of a pro-Mugabe youth faction that was quickly purged from the ruling party and the government when Mnangagwa took office. Chamisa, a former student leader who was among the top six officials when the MDC was created in 1999, promised sweeping economic reforms in Zimbabwe. He also pointed to the 35-year gap between him and Mnangagwa, telling the Associated Press in an interview earlier this year that "I represent the new. Myangagwa represents the past."