Zimbabwe’s political landscape took a significant turn as the ruling ZANU-PF secured a commanding two-thirds majority in parliament following the release of by-election results on Sunday. This victory potentially grants the party the ability to make constitutional amendments, extending President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s grip on power.
In a remarkable series of events, ZANU-PF clinched victories in all six constituency elections held on Saturday, a move criticized by the opposition as fraudulent. The outcome was influenced by the removal of six opposition MPs in what was denounced as a peculiar political manoeuvre.
Confirming the results, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission chairman Rodney Kiwa stated, “Elections went well. ZANU-PF has won in all the six constituencies. I do confirm that position.” This outcome marks the second set of parliamentary by-elections since the onset of a political crisis that has significantly weakened the opposition.
With a super-majority of 190 out of 280 seats, ZANU-PF’s dominance raises concerns among analysts and opposition activists. There are fears that the party might exploit its power to remove presidential term limits, potentially allowing Mnangagwa, aged 81, to seek re-election.
The vacancies arose following the orchestrated recall of six MPs from the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) by Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-proclaimed interim secretary general. This move sparked accusations from opposition supporters, labeling Tshabangu as a ZANU-PF puppet tasked with disrupting the opposition’s integrity to bolster Mnangagwa’s rule.
“The ruling party has demonstrated that it will not stop at anything in their push for a one-party state and an all-powerful president,” remarked Obert Masaraure, spokesman for the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, a civil society umbrella group.
Despite allegations, ZANU-PF vehemently denies any involvement with Tshabangu and refutes claims of ambitions to establish a one-party state. Previously falling short of a two-thirds majority in parliament, ZANU-PF’s recent victories in disputed by-elections have now granted them the desired mandate. The political landscape of Zimbabwe stands at a critical juncture as the ruling party consolidates its authority.
