Zanu PF has claimed full political dominance in Zimbabwe following its sweeping victories in the weekend’s local authority by-elections in Epworth Ward 6 and Chinhoyi Ward 14—results that came amid low voter turnout and mounting concerns over the democratic integrity of the process In a short but emphatic statement released on Saturday, the ruling party declared: “EVERY square inch of Zimbabwe is now a ZANU PF stronghold.”
The assertion has drawn criticism for being both triumphalist and tone-deaf in a political climate where citizens are increasingly disengaged and distrustful of the electoral system In Epworth Ward 6, Zanu PF candidate Bushe Civilised secured a landslide victory with 3,022 votes, according to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) elections officer Chirere Ocean Chenjerai In stark contrast, MDC-T’s Alice Nyahunzvi received just 120 votes, while independent candidate Peter Nyapetwa came in with a mere 23
In Chinhoyi Ward 14, Zanu PF’s Solomon Bizwork won with 599 votes, beating independent Hope Zimbiri, who trailed with 194 votes, as announced by elections officer Taona Pfunye While Zanu PF presented these results as evidence of unwavering national support, analysts and observers have flagged major concerns over the alarmingly low voter participation In both wards, turnout was dismally low, with fewer than 800 ballots cast in Chinhoyi—casting doubt on the legitimacy and competitiveness of the so-called “victory.”
“This is not democracy This is dominance without consent,” said a political analyst in Harare who requested anonymity
“When the ruling party is essentially running unopposed and people are not even bothering to vote, that’s not a stronghold—it’s a hollow one.”
Critics argue that the by-elections reflect Zanu PF’s continued use of electoral processes as symbolic displays of power, rather than genuine expressions of the people’s will Opposition parties, weakened by internal divisions and state pressure, were virtually absent from the campaign trail, while independent candidates failed to present a credible challenge Civic groups also pointed to the lack of voter education and meaningful political debate leading up to the elections, reinforcing the view that these by-elections were mere formalities in a system designed to sustain the ruling elite Despite Zanu PF’s confident rhetoric, the reaction from the communities of Epworth and Chinhoyi has been largely muted
Residents appear indifferent, if not cynical, about the political process—underscoring a deepening crisis of legitimacy in Zimbabwean politics Source: Zimeye
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Source: Zimeye
