ELECTORAL REFORMS:
A MUST REQUIREMENT FOR A FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS IN ZIMBABWE.
Most Zimbabweans have understood the unfair handling of the Zimbabwe Elections by ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission), which we now know are designed to keep ZANU PF party in power through a rigging process. Therefore, we call for a substantive electoral reform in Zimbabwe.
ZEC declared the elections (August 2023) free and fair despite overwhelming evidence of rigged process, making it clear the reality that it is not a neutral organisation. The organisation is controlled by ZANU PF party.
Election Observers 2023 Final report of the Commonwealth highlighted some flaws in what they witnessed in the following statements;
- Observers witnessed tables set up in close proximity to some polling stations in Harare and Bulawayo cities by an organisation called Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ),
- and received reports that members of the organisation were allegedly recording the names and ID of voters.
- They also noted that members of FAZ were conducting citizen observation.
- Their presence fuelled allegations of voter intimidation, since, FAZ is associated with ZANU PF.
They also noted that all three ballot boxes were similar in appearance, which may have caused confusion for voters when trying to drop ballot papers in the right boxes. To assist voters in the voting process and to avoid misplaced ballot papers, ballot boxes should be different colours, corresponding to the colour of the ballot papers.
They observed, in some areas particularly Harare and Bulawayo the polling process started late. In a few instances, ballot papers were not delivered until the afternoon, with one case experiencing delays up to 19:30hrs. These delays could have influenced voter turn out, especially in these densely populated urban areas, and may have caused frustration among voters.
ZANU PF party members and their party president, ED Mnangagwa, are always telling the public on their refusal to agree on reforms, "we can't agree to reform our ourselves out of power." they boast/tease. ZANU PF party's refusal to do the right thing is noted in the 2018 Zimbabwe COG Report recommendations;
- Total recommendations 54.
- Not implemented 27.
In the 2018 Zimbabwe, ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) elections results were disputed. The judicial judgement of the result was also questionable.
ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) also announced and declared a ZANU PF MP, Dexter Nduna as a winner, after he lost the vote to MDC's David Konjana. But, Dexter Nduna served full term after ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) announced the false results and failed to correct their own mistake. ZEC's (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) failure to deliver voting ballots and material as a deliberate move. They targeted mainly cities and places where the CCC (Citizens Coalition for Change) party of Nelson Chamisa had a fair chance of winning.
The involvement of FAZ (Forever Associates Zimbabwe) setting up illegal tables to intimidate voters especially in rural areas throughout Zimbabwe as well as unleashing violence, intimidation and propaganda flyers, on the voting day, and sponsoring of double candidates was clear attempt to discourage/disrupt voting process.
The ink that was used in the voting process was never tested and availed to contesting parties and stakeholders. ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) failed in their duty of integrity, professionalism, accountability, transparency, and even constitutionality.
We make a strong and peaceful protest for a complete removal of ZEC (Zimbabwe Electoral Commission) in organising the Zimbabwean elections and allowing an independent mind to replace them.
Written by Dickson Chikwizo
Vision 2030: Mnangagwa’s Grand Lie to Keep Zimbabwe in Chains
Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and his ZANU-PF government want Zimbabweans to believe in Vision 2030—a so-called master plan to turn the country into an upper-middle-income economy. But let’s not be fooled. This is nothing more than a carefully packaged lie designed to keep them in power while the nation sinks deeper into poverty, corruption, and repression. Mnangagwa and his cronies in ZANU-PF have spent decades looting Zimbabwe’s wealth, rigging elections, and silencing anyone who dares to demand justice. They don’t care about Vision 2030. They care about staying in control, growing their offshore bank accounts, and crushing any opposition that threatens their grip on power. Until they are held accountable, Vision 2030 will never be anything more than a propaganda tool to distract the suffering masses.
ZANU-PF’s Corruption is Destroying Zimbabwe
Mnangagwa’s government is bleeding Zimbabwe dry. The country loses over $1.8 billion every year to corruption, yet schools and hospitals are collapsing. Roads are in ruins. Millions struggle to afford food. Meanwhile, ZANU-PF elites live in luxury, buying mansions in Dubai and South Africa while ordinary citizens are crushed by unemployment and hyperinflation. Contracts for public infrastructure projects are handed out to Mnangagwa’s allies, with no accountability or transparency. The so-called mega deals he boasts about? They only benefit those at the top while Zimbabweans are left to suffer. His 'government' does not work for the people—it works for a corrupt cartel that treats Zimbabwe like its personal piggy bank.
A Lawless Regime Built on Violence and Fear
Under Mnangagwa’s rule, Zimbabwe has become a lawless state where power, not justice, determines who is free and who is jailed.
- * Opposition figures are beaten, arrested, or even disappeared for speaking out.
- * Elections are rigged through intimidation, vote-buying, and suppression of independent observers.
- * The courts serve ZANU-PF, not the people, ensuring that Mnangagwa and his allies never face accountability.
- * Journalists and activists who expose corruption are harassed, jailed, or forced into exile.
ZANU-PF is not a government—it is a criminal organization that uses the State to brutalize its own people. How can Zimbabwe develop when its own leaders are the biggest enemies of progress?
The Economic Collapse Under Mnangagwa
Mnangagwa inherited a collapsed economy from Robert Mugabe, but instead of fixing it, he made it worse. His 'government' prints money, causing inflation to skyrocket and wiping out people’s savings. Basic goods are priced in US dollars, but workers earn worthless Zimbabwean salaries. He promised jobs. Instead, youth unemployment is at an all-time high, and thousands of Zimbabweans are fleeing to South Africa, Botswana, and the UK for survival. Vision 2030 is meaningless when the people of Zimbabwe are too hungry to think about the future.
Mnangagwa Will Never Fix Zimbabwe—The People Must Demand Change
For Zimbabwe to move forward, Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF must go. Their time is up. The people must rise and demand:
- An End to Corruption – Arrest and prosecute Mnangagwa’s corrupt allies and recover stolen wealth.
- Free and Fair Elections – Scrap the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) and establish an independent electoral body.
- Justice for the Oppressed – Release political prisoners, end persecution of activists, and ensure an independent judiciary.
- Economic Reform – Restore property rights, attract real investment, and support local businesses instead of feeding ZANU-PF’s cartel.
The Time for Lies is Over
Mnangagwa and ZANU-PF have failed Zimbabwe. They are parasites feeding off the suffering of the people. Vision 2030 is not a roadmap to prosperity—it is a smokescreen designed to buy them more time in power.
Zimbabweans must wake up. The future will not be handed to us—it must be taken. Until we demand real change, Vision 2030 will remain nothing more than Mnangagwa’s cruel joke, a deception to keep Zimbabweans hoping for a future that will never come under ZANU-PF rule.
Written by Michelle Mpofu
Electoral Reform Petition:
Zimbabwe Burning Whilst Zanu PF Fiddles {the books}
This petition, submitted to the British government and key international stakeholders, highlights deep concerns over the erosion of democracy, rampant corruption, nepotism, gross human rights violations, and the 
collapse of Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. Zimbabweans abroad, many of whom have fled economic hardship and political persecution, strongly oppose any moves to manipulate the constitution for personal political gain. Recent developments in Zimbabwe suggest that efforts are underway to amend the constitution to extend the president’s term beyond the legal limit.
This move, if allowed to proceed, would further entrench authoritarian rule and exacerbate the suffering of ordinary Zimbabweans. We believe that such actions undermine democratic principles and must be condemned by the international community.
Key concerns outlined in the petition include:
- Looting and Corruption – Public resources are being plundered while millions of Zimbabweans struggle to survive.
- Nepotism and Abuse of Power – State institutions are being captured to serve a select few, side-lining capable professionals.
- Gross Human Rights Violations – Political activists, journalists, and opposition members continue to face harassment, abductions, and arbitrary arrests.
- Deteriorating Healthcare System – Public hospitals lack basic medicines and equipment, leaving ordinary citizens to suffer without proper medical care.
The Zimbabwean diaspora calls on the British government to use its diplomatic influence to:
- Condemn any unconstitutional extension of the presidential term.
- Support regional and international efforts to uphold democracy in Zimbabwe.
- Push for greater accountability on human rights abuses and corruption.
As Zimbabweans abroad, we remain committed to a free, democratic, and prosperous Zimbabwe. We urge the UK government to stand in solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe and oppose any moves that threaten the nation’s constitutional order.
Written by Chipo Komboni
The Suspicion around Elections
Zimbabwe Election's are tinged with a lot suspicion, as they are far from being fair. The most (suspicion) is the system of governance used, where mostly the ruling party controls everything together with the military.
As we focus on Electoral Reforms one is made to look into the 'harmonised elections' first, why are the elections harmonised - because somehow there is need to control numbers as elections are a numbers game and to keep the hierarchy structure. To form the government in Zimbabwe needs a major win then lots are appointments; by so doing the democratic battle is 'lost' - as there is no democracy like that globally. With this 'structure', there are more 'spaces' to overturn (actual) democracy.
The proposals on proportional representation is an example from the last election. So as l delve into this matter let it be known, l was elections secretary for my party's 2023 elections time, but had participated in the first elections for ZAPU in 2013 after 'revival'. So, for the regime, the proportional and non elected posts must be reduced.
The local government election must be done on their own so as to have the proper people elected, not this one of using chance to win local government without real proposals for any development. Devolution is important in everything. The parliamentary elections must be made to work like in many countries where a President is elected in parliament by parliamentarian that will mean a President will be answering to parliament, but in this set up, we have a President who thinks he is a 'king' because he is not answerable to anyone once elected. Elected governors are important, as well as return of executive mayor's with powers to control revenue collection as well as service delivery.
ZEC will never be independent as long as the system is centralised - so full Devolution important.
As we focus on the Electoral Reform petition, democracy must be measurable, but also free from manipulation, parliament can help nominate or appointment of all positions that form the essential part of elections and lives of Zimbabweans
Nkala Cannicious is writing this as an independent writer, he is also ZAPU Europe Province Secretary