Zimbabwe will hold by-elections on Saturday, December 9th, 2023, with a significant twist: none of the main opposition party’s candidates will be participating. This development further solidifies President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s grip on power in the mineral-rich nation.
The political crisis began in October when 15 Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) Members of Parliament had their seats declared vacant following a letter from Songezo Tshabangu, a little-known politician claiming to be the CCC’s interim secretary-general. Despite protests from CCC leader Nelson Chamisa, the ZANU-PF-controlled parliament accepted the letter and declared the seats empty.
Subsequent court rulings on Thursday and Friday have barred all CCC candidates from standing in the upcoming by-elections, effectively handing the vacant seats to ZANU-PF. This outcome brings the ruling party closer to acquiring a two-thirds majority in parliament, which will enable them to amend the constitution, including potentially scrapping the two-term presidential limit.
The CCC has decried the move as a blatant attempt to undermine democracy in Zimbabwe. “The overall effect of this in terms of undermining any hope for Zimbabwe of democracy right now, is very clear,” said Professor Nic Cheeseman, African politics expert at the University of Birmingham.
Adding insult to injury, one by-election will not even be held due to the lack of opposition. In Mabvuku, a Harare suburb, the ZANU-PF candidate was declared the winner uncontested after the CCC opponent was removed from the ballot.
President Mnangagwa and his party have denied any involvement in the crisis, instead blaming the “irresponsible and self-imploding” opposition. However, many analysts believe ZANU-PF orchestrated the turmoil to gain control of the parliament and pave the way for Mnangagwa to remain in power beyond his current term.
This development has further eroded international confidence in Zimbabwe’s democratic credentials. Critics warn that Mnangagwa’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies stifle dissent, undermine independent institutions, and threaten the country’s fragile economic recovery.
As Zimbabwe prepares for Saturday’s by-elections, the future of democracy in the country hangs in the balance. The outcome will not only determine the balance of power in parliament but also send a clear message about the direction Zimbabwe will take in the years to come.
