Zanu PF looks set to cruise to victory in the Nkulumane parliamentary by-election because eight opposition candidates are splitting votes while the ruling party fields just one contender. Political analyst Abigale Mupambi and veteran educationist Ben Moyo both say the opposition basically handed the seat over by running separate campaigns instead of backing a unified challenger. The race features Zanu PF's Freedom Murechu against a fragmented field that includes the late MP Desire Moyo's widow, Esther Auxillia Zitha, running as an independent, comedian Mothusi Ndlovu for the Tshabangu faction, and several others representing different opposition groups.
Zanu PF dropped a $100,000 revolving fund for the constituency, promised solar-powered boreholes, and delivered computers plus Starlink kits to local schools during a rally where officials framed the goodies as proof the party delivers results.
Civic groups warn the ruling party will win not because they have the best candidate but because opposition voters will scatter across multiple choices while Zanu PF supporters stay loyal to their single option.
Zanu PF dropped a $100,000 revolving fund for the constituency, promised solar-powered boreholes, and delivered computers plus Starlink kits to local schools during a rally where officials framed the goodies as proof the party delivers results.
Civic groups warn the ruling party will win not because they have the best candidate but because opposition voters will scatter across multiple choices while Zanu PF supporters stay loyal to their single option.
