'Zimbabwe must be a one-party state?'

Political and social analyst Abigail Mupambi has questioned the effectiveness of Zimbabwe's multi-party system, amid rising calls for the country to adopt a one-party state model inspired by China's development trajectory.

For decades, Zimbabwe has operated under what Mupambi describes as the "illusion of multiparty democracy." Elections have come and gone, opposition parties have risen and fractured, and citizens have invested hope in alternatives that failed to deliver meaningful change.

Mupambi has proposed a formal one-party state for Zimbabwe, arguing that opposition movements face a decisive moment: either unite under one political formation to create a formidable alternative or dissolve into ZANU-PF and influence policy from within.

"If opposition leaders cannot sustain the movement as a credible alternative to serve the masses, then they should simply join ZANU-PF and begin to influence policy direction from within. At the end of the day, people want a better livelihood," Mupambi said.

She argued that socialism blends well with Zimbabwe's current realities and that the opposition has become comfortable criticising from the sidelines without presenting a credible governing agenda.

"We can't even see the tiers of that very same opposition today. They are fast melting into something else," she said.

Mupambi cited several factors that have weakened opposition parties over the past 25 years:

- Electoral inconsistencies: Allegations of vote rigging, intimidation, and uneven playing fields.  
- Fragmentation: Repeated splintering of movements, diluting influence and confusing the electorate.  
- Lack of governance appetite: Absence of sustained policy platforms or readiness to govern.

She said the promise of democracy has not translated into improved livelihoods, responsive governance, or national development.

"If Zimbabwe has never truly functioned according to the prescription of democracy, perhaps it's time to stop pretending. We may need to rethink, rebrand, and redefine a working political system with democracy as a blend," she said.

Mupambi outlined potential benefits of a formal one-party state:

- Concentrated efforts on national development without electoral distractions.  
- Inclusive governance under a unified national agenda.  
- Reduced costs from repeat elections.  
- Space for reflection and healing from routine power struggles.

"This is not a call for authoritarianism - it's a call for political realism," she said. "If multiparty democracy has failed to deliver, and opposition leaders lack the appetite to unite or govern, then perhaps the most reasonable thing is to consolidate power and focus on results."

Her remarks have sparked mixed reactions, particularly on social media, with some calling for deeper debate on the viability of a one-party state in Zimbabwe.