vying to vote

Zimbabwe: Denying diaspora vote is Zanu PF plan to manipulate poll

By Farai Shawn Matiashe

Premium badge Reserved for subscribers

Posted on May 2, 2023 15:30

 © No diaspora here: file photo of Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa supporters at his 2018 inauguration.(REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo)
No diaspora here: file photo of Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa supporters at his 2018 inauguration.(REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo)

Despite growing calls from opposition leaders and activists, the government and ruling party Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) have quashed every move to change the laws to permit Zimbabweans living in foreign countries to exercise their right to vote.

With just a few months away from the local government, parliamentary and presidential polls, it is apparent that there will not be a diaspora vote.

It is not a misconception that a diaspora vote will put the opposition at an advantage but might be an exaggeration that the diaspora vote will benefit only the opposition, says Eldred Masunungure, a political analyst.

There's more to this story

Get unlimited access to our exclusive journalism and features today. Our award-winning team of correspondents and editors report from over 54 African countries, from Cape Town to Cairo, from Abidjan to Abuja to Addis Ababa. Africa. Unlocked.

Subscribe Now

cancel anytime