The new finance minister, Simba Makoni, has promised to put the economy on the road to recovery.

ECONOMIST: Zimbabwe

But with next year's elections ringing in his ears, commentators say it seems likely Finance Minister Simba Makoni may find himself putting short term political gains before the prudent management of the ailing economy.

BBC: Zimbabwe's gloomy budget prediction

Tsvangirai has rejected any possibility of teaming up with Mugabe's other challenger, former Finance Minister Simba Makoni, who recently announced his bid to unseat Mugabe and was promptly booted out of the ruling ZANU-PF party.

CNN: Zimbabwe police chief threatens use of firearms