KEY POINTS
-
Zanu PF wins Glen View South by-election after 25 years of opposition control.
-
Voter turnout in the by-election was just 17.2%.
-
Hopewell Chino’ono blames a divided opposition for Zanu PF’s success.
Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu PF, won the Glen View South by-election, marking a significant political shift. Zanu PF candidate Tsitsi Tranquility Tawomhera became the Member of Parliament (MP) elect after securing 3,404 votes, according to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
Tawomhera defeated four other candidates, including three independents—Toenderai Chakaredza (993 votes), George Makwangwaidze (681 votes), and Tungamirai Madzokere (234 votes)—and National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) candidate Perpetua Mukanda, who received just 77 votes. There were 44 rejected ballots.
Low voter turnout impacts the election result
Voter apathy characterized the election, with a turnout of just 17.2% of Glen View South’s 31,519 registered voters. The seat became vacant after the death of Grandmore Hakata.
Despite Zanu PF’s victory, political observers attributed the result to a divided opposition rather than Zanu PF’s accomplishments.
Opposition divided, Zanu PF capitalizes on weak competition
Award-winning journalist and political observer Hopewell Chino’ono criticized the divided opposition for the result. He stated, “Today, Glen View is in the hands of Zanu PF for the first time in 25 years—not because Zanu PF has done anything fantastic, but because it faces an opposition built around a popular personality, not ideas or a cause.”
According to NewZimbabwe, Chino’ono argued that the lack of a structured opposition with a clear constitution allowed Zanu PF to capitalize on internal opposition divisions.
Chino’ono warned that Zanu PF would dominate post-2028 if the current political dynamics continue. He emphasized that politics based on personalities rather than ideas and causes strengthens the regime.
He further criticized current opposition leaders for failing to address critical issues like corruption and draconian laws.
