Democracy On Life Support As Zanu PF Claims Victory In Weekend By-elections

Democracy On Life Support As Zanu PF Claims Victory In Weekend By-elections3 August 2025

Democracy On Life Support As Zanu PF Claims Victory In Weekend By-elections

By A Correspondent

The ruling Zanu PF party has emerged victorious in the recently held local authority by-elections in Epworth Ward 6 and Chinhoyi Ward 14, amid widespread voter apathy and concerns over the fairness of the electoral process.

In Epworth Ward 6, Zanu PF candidate Bushe Civilised won with a landslide, garnering 3,022 votes, according to Chirere Ocean Chenjerai, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) elections officer for the area. Civilised was followed distantly by MDC-T’s Alice Nyahunzvi who managed a paltry 120 votes, while independent candidate Peter Nyapetwa secured only 23 votes.

Meanwhile, in Ward 14 Chinhoyi, Zanu PF’s Solomon Bizwork was declared the winner with 599 votes, according to Taona Pfunye, the ZEC elections officer. Independent candidate Hope Zimbiri came second with 194 votes.

While Zanu PF celebrated the wins as a show of continued support, critics have raised questions about the level of public engagement and the credibility of the process.

The alarmingly low voter turnout in both areas—especially in Chinhoyi, where fewer than 800 votes were cast—has intensified claims that Zimbabwe’s elections are failing to energize or inspire voters.

“What we’re seeing here is not a democracy at work, but a democracy in retreat,” commented a political analyst based in Harare who chose to remain anonymous. “When the ruling party sweeps with over 90% of the vote in a by-election, and the total voter turnout barely scratches the surface of the eligible voting population, it raises serious concerns about intimidation, disillusionment, and manipulation.”

Opposition parties have remained largely silent on the outcomes, likely reflecting both their waning influence and public frustration with the fractured state of the opposition itself.

Observers also noted the absence of any significant civic engagement or voter education in the lead-up to the polls, further reinforcing the perception that these elections were little more than formalities rubber-stamping Zanu PF’s grip on power.

Despite the official announcements, the silence from the streets of Epworth and Chinhoyi suggests that citizens remain unconvinced and disengaged. In a country where elections have long been marred by accusations of rigging, coercion, and uneven playing fields, these results are unlikely to change public perception—or the political status quo.

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Source: ZimEye

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