Zanu-PF has claimed a resounding victory in Harare’s Epworth Ward 6 by-election, with its candidate Civilised Bushe securing 3,022 votes — far outpacing his rivals and cementing the ruling party’s grip on local governance. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) presiding officer, Chenjerai Chirere, confirmed the final tally at the close of counting, which saw opposition parties trail by wide margins.
Alice Nyahunzvi of the MDC-T garnered just 120 votes, while independent candidate Peter Nyapetwa received a mere 23. The result underlines the waning influence of opposition parties in contested urban spaces — particularly following the strategic boycott by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), Zimbabwe’s largest opposition movement.
The CCC’s decision to abstain from the by-election, citing concerns over unresolved electoral reforms and ongoing state interference in the operations of ZEC, created a political vacuum that Zanu-PF exploited to its advantage. With no major opposition contender in the race, the ruling party faced little resistance, making the by-election less a contest of ideas and more a show of dominance in the absence of competition.
While turnout figures were not officially disclosed, early reports suggest voter enthusiasm was subdued. Political analysts attributed the low turnout to both voter apathy and the absence of the CCC on the ballot — a combination that has become increasingly common in Zimbabwe’s fractured political landscape.
Observers have also linked Zanu-PF’s decisive win to the recent surge of philanthropic activity by businessman-turned-politician Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who has been actively involved in the Epworth area. Previously known for his behind-the-scenes financial influence, Tagwirei formally joined Zanu-PF earlier this year, making a high-profile entry into frontline politics.
His bid for a Central Committee seat was endorsed by Zanu-PF Harare provincial chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa, signaling growing clout within the party. Ahead of the by-election, Tagwirei launched a series of high-impact community development initiatives in Epworth, which critics and supporters alike say may have swayed public sentiment in favour of the ruling party.
Zanu-PF Secures Landslide Victory in Epworth Ward 6 By-Election Amid Opposition Boycott and Tagwirei Donations
Among the donations were 15 solar-powered boreholes aimed at resolving chronic water shortages in the area, two road graders for the rehabilitation of severely degraded infrastructure, 100 educational scholarships for local schoolchildren, and 3,000 food hampers distributed to families across the constituency. The sheer scale and timing of the donations raised eyebrows, with some viewing them as benevolent gestures, while others labelled them as calculated moves to win votes in a struggling urban community.
“These are not random acts of charity,” said political analyst Tinashe Mukori. “They are carefully timed interventions designed to build loyalty and visibility — especially in the absence of strong opposition voices.”
Tagwirei’s growing political presence has not been without controversy. In the run-up to the by-election, reports emerged that he had been asked to leave a Zanu-PF Central Committee meeting by members aligned to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s faction — a move that exposed internal rivalries within the ruling party and hinted at discomfort with Tagwirei’s rapid political ascent.
Despite such friction, Zanu-PF’s by-election win in Epworth consolidates its expanding influence at the local government level, especially as opposition participation continues to dwindle. The ruling party now controls an increasing number of wards in both rural and urban areas — a trend that some observers say is less about popularity and more about strategic disengagement by the opposition.
“This isn’t just a win for Zanu-PF,” Mukori added. “It’s a consequence of CCC’s withdrawal and the public’s declining faith in the electoral process.”
Indeed, the absence of the CCC — which has been the main opposition force since its formation in early 2022 — is raising alarm among civil society groups and democracy advocates. Many fear that repeated boycotts and a lack of clear communication from opposition leaders could erode democratic competition altogether, paving the way for uncontested dominance by Zanu-PF.
Critics of the ruling party argue that the current political environment is heavily skewed, with ZEC’s credibility under question, state media favouring the incumbents, and public resources allegedly being used to gain political mileage. Yet, in the face of such allegations, Zanu-PF has framed its Epworth win as a validation of its policies and a reflection of grassroots support.
“The people of Epworth have spoken,” said a party spokesperson following the announcement of results. “They have chosen development and stability over confusion and chaos.”
As more by-elections loom on the national calendar, the political stakes continue to rise. Whether the opposition will regroup and return to the electoral battlefield remains unclear. What is certain, however, is that Zanu-PF is capitalising on the moment — expanding its local control and fortifying its position ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Source- Bulawayo24
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