Opposition supporters calling for free and fair elections outside the offices of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission in Harare in 2018.
Jeksai Njikizana/AFP via Getty Images.
Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections look like their predecessors: stolen. But this one is a bit different. Opposition strategies and regional responses have changed too. What does this mean for the future?
Women’s representation in Zimbabwe’s parliament has declined in spite of a quota imposed in 2013.
Nelson Chamisa, leader of Zimbabwe’s main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change, addresses supporters at a rally.
Zinyange Auntony / AFP via Getty Images
In his music, he positions himself within the people’s struggles and identifies with them.
Zimbabwe’s opposition Citizens Coalition for Change supporters attend an election campaign rally in Harare, in February. Zimbabwe, 20 February.
EPA-EFE/Aaron Ufumeli
Most citizens feel that it is pointless to vote because it won’t change anything.
A still featuring opposition leader Nelson Chamisa from the film President (2021).
Louverture Films/President/Encounters South African International Documentary Festival
The award-winning documentary - now on in South Africa - follows opposition leader Nelson Chamisa. But it spends too much time in meetings instead of giving insight into the bigger picture.
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the funeral of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe.
EPA-EFE/Aaron Ufumeli
It remains to be seen how much longer the ‘old men syndrome’ will persist in Zimbabwe, Namibia and South Africa, despite growing frustration among the politically powerless.
Zimbabwe’s crisis is deepening on all fronts.
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The Mnangagwa regime’s coercive acts are a continuation of the violence and brutality of the Mugabe era, while he seeks global re-engagement and selective national dialogue.
Supporters of MDC’s Nelson Chamisa believe he could win Zimbabwe’s 2023 elections.
EFE-EPA/Aaron Ufumeli
Violence and uncertainty has followed Zimbabwe’s first modern election without Robert Mugabe. That’s not surprising: After 38 years of dictatorship, it takes more than a vote to build democracy.
Zimbabwe’s “The NewsDay” after violent protests in Harare.
EPA-EFE/Aaron Ufumeli
What start is this for a regime promising Lazarus-like revival for the ruling party and its friends around the world – not to mention ordinary Zimbabweans?
A triumphant Zanu-PF supporter celebrates the Emmerson Mnangagwa’s victory in the presidential race.
EPA-EFE/Aaron Ufumeli
Frank and Bethine Church Chair of Public Affairs & Associate Professor, School of Public Service; Nonresident Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Boise State University