Zanu PF has tightened its grip on local governance, claiming victory in recent by-elections held in Epworth Ward 6 and Chinhoyi Ward 14 — polls overshadowed by low voter turnout and mounting questions around electoral credibility.
In Epworth, Zanu PF’s Civilised Bushe recorded a commanding win, polling 3,022 votes. The MDC-T’s Alice Nyahunzvi trailed far behind with just 120 votes, while independent contender Peter Nyapetwa walked away with a mere 23 ballots cast in his favour. The figures were confirmed by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) elections officer Chirere Ocean Chenjerai.
Over in Mashonaland West, Solomon Bizwork of Zanu PF clinched the Chinhoyi Ward 14 seat with 599 votes. Independent candidate Hope Zimbiri came a distant second with 194 votes, according to ZEC’s Taona Pfunye.
While Zanu PF hailed the victories as evidence of continued grassroots support, analysts and civil society groups have pointed to disturbing signs of disengagement across the board.
Less than 800 voters cast their ballots in Chinhoyi despite a registered voter base of over 2,300, and similar signs of apathy were visible in Epworth — a high-density suburb historically marked by political volatility and economic struggles.
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Zimbabwe’s largest opposition party, boycotted the Ward 14 vote, citing a rigged political playing field. Other opposition parties offered minimal resistance, further deepening public disinterest in the outcome.
Observers noted a near-total absence of civic engagement ahead of the elections, with little voter education or outreach a development that only reinforced suspicions that the contests were symbolic, rather than competitive.
The by-elections were triggered by the dismissal and criminal conviction of CCC councillor Chipo Mlotshwa in Chinhoyi, while the Epworth vacancy arose following an undisclosed departure.
In the aftermath, the streets of both Epworth and Chinhoyi remained quiet. No celebrations, no rallies just silence. For many residents, the result felt predictable, if not preordained.
