Zanu-PF Reclaims Nkulumane Seat in Historic Upset

Zanu-PF has reclaimed the Nkulumane parliamentary seat in a surprise by-election victory (image source)

BULAWAYO — In a dramatic political turnaround, Zanu-PF has reclaimed the Nkulumane Constituency parliamentary seat, ending more than two decades of opposition dominance dating back to the early 2000s. The ruling party’s candidate, Freedom Murechu, emerged victorious in Saturday’s by-election, filling the vacancy left by the death of sitting legislator Desire Moyo.

Official results released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Elections Officer, Mrs Sithembiso Khuphe, confirmed Murechu’s decisive win. He secured 3,416 votes, comfortably outpacing eight other candidates and underscoring a notable shift in voter sentiment within the constituency. Independent candidate Rodney Jele finished second with 745 votes, while Esther Excellia Zitha, widow of the late Desire Moyo, came third with 325 votes. She narrowly edged out Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate Mothusi Ndlovu, popularly known as Madlela Skhobokobo, who polled 320 votes.

Other contenders trailed further behind, with independent Mbuso Fuzwayo receiving 121 votes, Vivian Siziba of ZAPU securing 110, Alson Moyo of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) garnering 65, Ethel Sibanda of MDC-T managing 23, and Nompilo Ncube Malaba of the Zimbabwe African National Congress (ZANC) finishing last with 18 votes.

The outcome represents a major breakthrough for Zanu-PF in urban Bulawayo, long regarded as an opposition stronghold. Analysts say the result signals a significant political realignment in Nkulumane, reflecting voter fatigue with opposition parties and renewed confidence among some residents in the ruling party’s promises of improved urban service delivery. Zanu-PF officials have framed the victory as proof of growing support in metropolitan areas, arguing that the party’s rural development experience can be translated into solutions for urban infrastructure, sanitation and housing challenges.

For opposition parties, the loss is a sobering setback. Nkulumane, once emblematic of opposition strength, now illustrates shifting political dynamics in Zimbabwe’s second-largest city. Analysts point to fragmentation, weakened grassroots structures and prolonged economic hardship as factors eroding opposition mobilisation capacity.

The cumulative effect, analysts argue, has been the effective neutralisation of the CCC, with some of its remaining structures described as a “loyal opposition” operating under sustained pressure. Public trust has diminished after years of mobilisation without tangible political gains, while economic stress has increased the susceptibility of opposition figures to co-option. Although Nelson Chamisa has hinted at launching a new citizen-focused political movement, the absence of concrete action has fuelled scepticism.

Despite opposition weakness, civil society organisations continue to criticise Zanu-PF’s governance record, citing concerns over accountability, service delivery and democratic space. The ruling party itself faces internal tensions, including succession debates and factional competition ahead of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s second-term expiry in 2028. Proposals to amend the constitution to extend his tenure have further divided opinion within the party. Nevertheless, analysts say Zanu-PF’s political dominance remains largely intact, a reality sharply underscored by the Nkulumane by-election result.