From Rigged Elections to Captured Parliament, Can Opposition Break ZANU-PF’s Stranglehold?

By Shingirai Vambe

HARARE – The political landscape in Zimbabwe remains shrouded in skepticism, with analysts warning of turbulent years ahead as the ruling ZANU-PF consolidates power amid growing disillusionment among citizens. Despite holding regular elections since independence, critics argue that the country’s political and economic trajectory has remained stagnant, with the ruling party accused of clinging to power through manipulation rather than delivering meaningful change.

The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) recently revealed that at least 76 percent of Zimbabweans now survive in the informal sector. Independent surveys, however, suggest the number could be much higher, with nearly 85 percent of the economy operating informally. This points to a deepening crisis in which formal jobs are scarce, poverty is widespread, and survival has become a daily struggle.

While citizens grapple with unemployment, inflation, and corruption, the opposition, once viewed as the alternative voice, appears weakened, infiltrated, and in disarray. Parliament itself is said to be “captured,” functioning more as a rubber stamp for ZANU-PF’s interests than as an independent arm of government. This leaves many Zimbabweans questioning what real alternative exists to challenge the ruling party’s dominance.

In an exclusive engagement with The Post on Sunday, key opposition voices reflected on the state of politics, the upcoming 2028 general elections, and the future of Zimbabwe’s democracy.

Job Sikhala, the former legislator and current leader of the National Democratic Working Group (NDWG) Youth Movement, has been a vocal critic of the ruling party. Speaking through his spokesperson Tauya Chinama, Sikhala painted a grim picture of Zimbabwe’s political environment.

“ZANU-PF’s stranglehold on power has crippled Zimbabwe’s democracy. Their manipulation of state institutions and electoral processes has created a toxic environment, suffocating opposition voices,” Chinama said.

He argued that the NDWG is pushing for sweeping electoral reforms to ensure free and fair elections. “As a social justice movement, we have been to all corners of the country mobilizing and building structures for a massive consultative process. We know change is not an event, it is a process, and we are committed to that fight.”

On the 2028 elections, Sikhala warned that voter apathy poses a serious threat. “Many voters are disenchanted, feeling their votes don’t count. We have plans to re-engage voters, promote electoral education, and restore trust in the ballot,” he added.

Dzivarasekwa Member of Parliament, Edwin Mushoriwa, echoed similar concerns but insisted that the opposition is far from dead. “It is true that the opposition currently is fragmented, but that does not mean it is getting weaker. In fact, the opposition to ZANU-PF is growing stronger by the day,” Mushoriwa said.

He compared the opposition’s divisions to “brothers fighting at home,” stressing that unity would eventually prevail. “Come 2028, the opposition may actually surprise and shock ZANU-PF. I have no doubt that we will find each other one way or another.”

Mushoriwa underlined that voter turnout in 2028 will depend largely on citizens’ confidence in the opposition. “Every five years, new groups of voters – especially youths, emerge. Many of them naturally align with the opposition, but the challenge lies in convincing them to register and to vote,” he explained.

With youth unemployment and drug abuse on the rise, Mushoriwa warned that political engagement could decline further if these challenges are not addressed. “The immediate danger to democracy is the current scourge of drugs within our youth, which may prevent many from even registering to vote,” he said.

Both Sikhala and Mushoriwa pointed to ZANU-PF’s dominance in parliament as a major stumbling block. With a two-thirds majority, ZANU-PF has pushed through controversial legislation, sidelining dissenting voices.

Mushoriwa, however, praised some of the new opposition MPs elected in 2023 for their resilience. “Despite recalls, resignations, and leadership battles, many of our MPs have risen to the challenge, raising motions, debating bills, and holding the ruling party to account. The voice is still there – though weakened by ZANU-PF’s interference,” he noted.

On the broader governance system, opposition leaders were unequivocal: Zimbabwe’s state institutions, from the courts to the electoral commission, are deeply compromised.

“Look back at the 2023 elections, how on earth would ballot papers arrive at 10pm in Harare? That alone shows collusion between ZANU-PF and ZEC to suppress the urban vote,” Mushoriwa argued. “There is no separation between the state and the party. Every institution is captured.”

Another recurring issue in Zimbabwe’s politics is the lack of transparent candidate selection within parties. Sikhala’s camp said the NDWG is developing a “merit-based democracy” model, ensuring that candidates are chosen for integrity and ability rather than loyalty to elites.

“This process is inclusive and consultative. Our goal is to restore confidence by allowing communities themselves to select leaders who truly represent them,” Chinama explained.

As the clock ticks toward 2028, the stakes are high. Citizens remain skeptical that change can be achieved through elections, given ZANU-PF’s long history of alleged electoral manipulation. Yet, opposition leaders insist that the struggle must continue.

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