Published: 3 hours ago

The ruling Zanu-PF party has once again tightened its grip on local politics after winning weekend by-elections by overwhelming margins, further exposing the disarray of the opposition and the growing voter apathy across Zimbabwe.

According to official results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), Zanu-PF's Shonhiwa Simbarashe cruised to victory in Masvingo's Ward 7, securing 703 votes—more than triple the tally of his nearest rival. In Nkayi's Ward 16, Tshabalala Sinokiswe also delivered a commanding performance, winning with 278 votes, while opposition candidates and independents struggled to make an impact.

However, beneath the ruling party's predictable triumphs lies a troubling reality: voter participation was strikingly low. Only 23% of registered voters cast their ballots in Masvingo, while Nkayi registered a turnout of just 34%. Critics say the figures highlight not only the opposition's organizational weaknesses but also widespread public disillusionment with electoral processes seen as heavily tilted in Zanu-PF's favor.

The outcome reflects a familiar pattern in Zimbabwe's political landscape. Whenever a ward falls vacant, Zanu-PF routinely secures the seat with little resistance, as opposition parties remain fragmented, underfunded, and struggling to resonate with voters.

For President Emmerson Mnangagwa's ruling party, the victories reinforce its dominance at local level, extending its reach even further as the opposition battles for relevance.
- online

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