Rusty Markham gazed over the corrugated tin and wood structures that make up the Harare suburb of Hatcliffe, and recounts everything that it lacks; metalled roads; running water; a fit for purpose  sewage system, and political leaders who care.

“In 38 years, Zanu PF have destroyed Harare,” he says with feeling. "That’s why we are going to win here – in five years the local MP has done nothing." 

Home to both Zimbabwe’s must exclusive postcode and the visceral neglect of Hatfield, few constituencies embody the economic dysfunction engulfing this country like Harare North, the constituency Mr Markham is contesting for the opposition MDC Alliance in Monday’s parliamentary elections. 

But Mr Markham…