Opposition Lawmakers Push for Electoral Reforms Ahead of 2028 Zimbabwe Elections

Harare — Opposition legislators in Zimbabwe are demanding electoral reforms ahead of the 2028 general elections, urging the government to implement recommendations from the 2023 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Observer Election Report.

During a heated parliamentary session on Wednesday, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) MPs pressed authorities to clarify steps being taken to ensure fairer polls. Harare Central MP Lovemore Jimu questioned policy measures for reforms, while Ellen Shiriyedenga emphasized the need to act on the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission’s (ZEC) 2023 report.

Acting Leader of Government Business Felix Mhona defended ZEC’s independence, stressing that elections had been deemed “credible, fair and transparent.” He invited MPs to submit specific concerns for ministerial response and noted that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) remained open to the opposition.

Other CCC lawmakers, including Corban Madzivanyika, highlighted unresolved issues such as voter registration, high nomination fees, state media bias, and election materials. Zanu PF, however, maintains its 2023 electoral victory reflected the popular will, with Mhona urging focus on preparing for future polls rather than contesting past outcomes.

Zimbabwe’s next elections are scheduled for 2028, when President Mnangagwa’s constitutional mandate ends. However, the ruling Zanu PF party has already moved to extend his tenure until 2030, raising concerns about the credibility of the upcoming vote.