By Staff Reporter
Harare — Voters in Glen View South largely boycotted Saturday’s parliamentary by-election, dealing a blow to Zanu PF’s extensive campaign efforts in the high-density suburb.
Despite the ruling party’s heavy investment—including boreholes, solar systems, over US$200,000 in cash handouts, food hampers, and road rehabilitation—turnout remained dismal.
Only 4,000 of the 31,519 registered voters participated, a mere 17.2% as reported by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC).
The poll was triggered by the death of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MP Grandmore Hakata.
Zanu PF candidate Tranquility Tawomhera secured the seat with 3,404 votes, previously held by Hakata.
Independent candidates Tonderai Chakeredza (993 votes), George Makwangaidze (681), and Tungamirai Madzokere (234) trailed behind, while the National Constitutional Assembly’s (NCA) Perpetua Mukanda received 77 votes.
A Zanu PF provincial member, speaking anonymously at the party’s command center, expressed frustration.
“We must use these by-elections as yardsticks to measure our strength in urban constituencies.
“These results suggest people reject Zanu PF. Our leadership must return to the drawing board to address this.”
He added: “The constituency has the potential for over 50,000 registered voters, yet only 4,000 participated.
“This exposes weak cell structures. If our own members didn’t vote, what does that say? We must ask: Who controls the rest, and how do we persuade them to join us,”
The boycott highlights deepening urban voter apathy, historically an opposition stronghold.
Analysts argue the snub reflects broader discontent with Zimbabwe’s political climate and skepticism over electoral fairness.
While Zanu PF clinched the seat, the overwhelming absence of 87% of voters raises questions about its urban influence and future electoral credibility.
The NCA framed its minimal tally as progress.
“The NCA building exercise yielded 77 genuine votes in Glen View South.
“We are happy with this progress.
“We now have a solid structure in Glen View South. We are inspired to continue building,” said NCA president Lovemore Madhuku.
Political observers note Zimbabwean by-elections typically suffer low turnout, with ruling parties retaining seats due to opposition disengagement.
