Zanu PF on Saturday registered yet another major victory by winning all six by-elections held in Chikomba, Chiredzi, Gutu, Mazowe, and Marondera Rural District Councils (RDCs), preserving its supremacy on the country’s political landscape.
Of the six, Zanu PF had taken an early lead after its candidates Fibian Muzire of Gutu RDC Ward 10, Katinos Mudadi of Gutu RDC Ward 14, and Tichaona Muskwe of Mazowe RDC Ward 19 were declared winners as opposition parties failed to field candidates.
The other three by-elections followed vacancies caused by the death of incumbents in Chikomba’s Ward 10 and Marondera’s Ward 6 RDCs, while the Chiredzi Ward 4 RDC seat became vacant after a recall by the party, Zanu PF.
In Ward 10 Chikomba RDC, Tafadzwa Mukandi won by 447 votes against independent candidate Mr Joseph Macheke, who registered 290 votes. Austin Phikelele won by a landslide against independent candidate Mr Mucheke with 1,577 votes against 265 in Chiredzi RDC’s Ward 4, while in Marondera RDC’s Ward 6 Cde Fiona Tongawashe received 928 votes against independent candidate Mr Richard Ziyanga’s 22 votes.
A total of 4,552 voters were registered in Chiredzi, which had a percentage poll of 42 percent, 2,357 in Chikomba with a 31.7 percent turnout, and 3,022 in Marondera with a 32.4 percent turnout. The victory highlights Zanu PF’s continued winning streak from the general elections held in August 2023.
However, former Masvingo Central Constituency MPJeffryson Chitandocondemned the results, warning that the trend signals a troubling future for Zimbabwe’s democratic space.
“This blanket victory by Zanu PF is less a sign of popular support and more a reflection of the opposition’s failure to organize and an electoral environment skewed heavily in favour of the ruling party,” Chitando said.
“We are witnessing a weakening of democratic competition, which undermines the very principles of free and fair elections. The absence of credible opposition candidates in many wards suggests intimidation, exclusion, or a collapse of alternative political voices.”
Chitando further cautioned that such electoral outcomes could entrench one-party dominance and erode political accountability.
“Zimbabwe’s future depends on vibrant political pluralism and genuine contestation of ideas. What we have seen in these by-elections is a bleak picture where democracy is hollowed out, and governance risks becoming unchecked,” he added.
As Zanu PF consolidates its hold on local governance structures, the calls for inclusive political reforms and renewed opposition unity grow louder among civil society and political analysts alike.
Source: Zimeye
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