Zimbabwe opposition dead as a dodo

Zanu PF candidate Freedom Murechu has won the Nkulumane constituency by-election in Bulawayo, a result that has renewed debate over the state of Zimbabwe's opposition politics and underscored the ruling party's growing electoral dominance.

Murechu secured 3 416 votes in the poll held to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant by the death of Nkulumane MP Desire Moyo, who was killed in a road accident on October 10. Independent candidate Rodney Jele came a distant second with 745 votes, while Auxikia Zitha garnered 325 votes.

Other candidates trailed far behind, with Mothusi "Madlela" Ndlovu of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) polling 320 votes. Fuzwayo Mbuso, also an independent, received 121 votes, Alson Moyo of the Economic Freedom Fighters 65, Vivian Siziba of Zapu 110, Ethel Sibanda of MDC-T 23, Nompilo Malaba Ncube of ZANC 18, and Ester Zitha, another independent, 325.

The outcome has been widely interpreted by analysts as further evidence of the deep crisis engulfing Zimbabwe's opposition movement, which has been weakened by a combination of sustained state repression, internal divisions, leadership disputes and allegations of infiltration and co-option.

The CCC, once the country's main opposition force, has been particularly affected. The party plunged into turmoil after its leader Nelson Chamisa abruptly resigned in January 2024, arguing that the movement had been "hijacked" and infiltrated by elements aligned to Zanu PF. His departure left the party without a clear leadership structure or strategic direction, triggering infighting and organisational paralysis.

This followed a series of controversial court rulings and the recall of elected opposition officials, actions linked to claims by Sengezo Tshabangu that he was acting as CCC's interim secretary-general. Critics argued that the recalls and judicial endorsements were part of a broader strategy to weaken and fragment the opposition.

Political analysts say the cumulative effect has been the effective neutralisation of the CCC, with some of its remaining structures now described as a "loyal opposition" sustained through repression, patronage and access to resources. They argue that this has further eroded public trust, with sections of the opposition support base feeling betrayed after years of political mobilisation and sacrifice.

Zimbabwe's prolonged economic crisis has also compounded opposition weakness, undermining grassroots mobilisation while increasing the vulnerability of opposition figures to co-option through financial incentives and patronage networks.

Since stepping away from the CCC, Chamisa has repeatedly hinted at launching a new, "citizen-centric" political movement, framing it as a reset of the opposition project. However, after nearly two years of such signals without concrete action, scepticism and disillusionment have grown among former supporters.

Despite the opposition's decline, civil society groups and remaining opposition voices continue to criticise Zanu PF's record in government. The ruling party itself is not immune to internal tensions, with renewed succession battles and factional disputes emerging ahead of the end of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's second term in 2028. Proposals by some party figures to amend the constitution to extend Mnangagwa's rule have further deepened divisions.

Even so, analysts say Zanu PF's political hegemony remains largely unchallenged in the face of a fragmented and weakened opposition, a reality starkly illustrated by the Nkulumane by-election result.