The highly anticipated Zimbabwean election has arrived, captivating the attention of the nation. On Wednesday, Zimbabweans exercised their democratic rights at the polls, driven by a fervent desire for change following twenty years of unyielding economic turmoil. The citizens yearn for relief from the stranglehold of the ruling ZANU-PF party, which has maintained an iron grip on power, leaving many skeptical about the possibility of a genuine election or any relaxation of its authoritative dominance.
Seeking re-election is President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who seeks another term after overseeing a first tenure marked by rampant inflation, scarcity of currency, and alarmingly high unemployment rates, leading to profound hardship for the people of Zimbabwe. Numerous citizens depend on remittances in U.S. dollars from overseas relatives to make ends meet amidst the financial hardship.
Beyond the electoral stakes, the nation’s chances of resolving its crippling debt crisis hang in the balance. The ability to access loans from institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund hinges on the conduct of a free and fair election, a precondition set by foreign lenders for engaging in substantive discussions.
Mnangagwa, who ascended to power in the aftermath of the 2017 military coup that unseated long-serving leader Robert Mugabe, faces a pool of ten other candidates, including his primary contender, the lawyer and pastor Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
This election marks the second showdown between Mnangagwa and Chamisa, with the previous contest in 2018 resulting in a closely contested victory for Mnangagwa. However, the opposition claimed the election was tainted by irregularities. The constitutional court subsequently upheld Mnangagwa’s win.
Voting commenced at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) and was slated to conclude at 7 p.m. (1700 GMT), with approximately 6.6 million registered voters in a nation of around 15 million people.
In Kwekwe’s Sherwood Primary School, where Mnangagwa is registered to vote, eager voters formed lines from as early as 6 a.m., awaiting the start of the voting process. Among them, communal farmer Beatrice Sibanda expressed her aspiration for a brighter future for her children, who are in need of employment opportunities.
Meanwhile, in the capital city of Harare, particularly in the Kuwadzana constituency where Chamisa would cast his ballot, citizens voiced their hunger for transformative change. Mabel Fambi, a 67-year-old grandmother, shared the hardships she faces while caring for her grandchildren amid economic challenges.
As the polling stations close, the counting of votes will commence, with preliminary parliamentary results expected to trickle in throughout Thursday morning. The outcome of the presidential election is anticipated to follow shortly after, well in advance of the five-day deadline.
Experts suggest that Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic turmoil could sway the electoral balance in favor of the opposition, provided the election is conducted fairly. The local currency’s drastic depreciation and soaring inflation rates have plunged many into poverty, compounded by the fact that only 30% of the population holds formal employment.
However, analysts caution that ZANU-PF, having held power for over forty years, maintains an unfair advantage due to its control over crucial institutions like the police. Observers assert that the electoral landscape is skewed in favor of the ruling party, which has exploited state apparatuses to restrict the democratic arena, as highlighted by a pre-election statement from Africa Risk Consulting, a private firm.
Despite these concerns, both ZANU-PF and the police reject allegations of attempts to manipulate the election’s outcome. Chamisa, during his final campaign rally, asserted his rejection of any recurrence of alleged rigging that transpired in 2018. In contrast, Mnangagwa consistently emphasizes peace and tolerance in his campaign messages.
The quest for the presidency necessitates securing more than 50% of the votes. If no candidate crosses this threshold, a runoff between the two leading contenders will take place on October 2nd.
In a region where elections often carry a shadow of doubt and manipulation, the eyes of the world are keenly focused on Zimbabwe. The results will be a litmus test for the nation’s democratic aspirations, as well as a beacon of hope for Zimbabweans longing for a brighter future under a responsive and effective government.
