Zimbabweans See Mixed Results in Democracy Under Mnangagwa

Afrobarometer’s latest report reveals mixed public perceptions of Zimbabwe’s democracy over the past five years, with only one in five citizens believing the country has become more democratic under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.

Public Assessments of Zimbabwe’s Political Trajectory Under Mnangagwa

Public opinion regarding Zimbabwe’s political path remains divided according to an assessment released by Afrobarometer. The survey shows that 20% of respondents believe the country has grown more democratic over the past five years, while 25% report that conditions have worsened. Meanwhile, 41% of citizens surveyed see no change in the level of democracy, reflecting a split assessment of the administration led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa took power after a military-led coup in November 2017 that removed late President Robert Mugabe, inheriting a difficult international reputation.

Mnangagwa’s regime will take this as a win, considering the bad boy tag that has followed him since taking over from late President Robert Mugabe in a November 2017 military-led coup.

Citizen Attitudes Toward Democratic Institutions and Governance

Despite the divisions over democratic progress, the survey indicates broad foundational support for democratic governance.

The findings show that seven in every 10 Zimbabweans never felt concerned that democracy was under threat during the period under review. Support for democratic principles runs deeper in rural areas than in urban centers.

“Most Zimbabweans prefer democracy to any other form of government, the latest Afrobarometer survey shows. Support is higher in the countryside than in cities,” reads the report. “But fewer than half think that the country is a ‘full democracy’ or a ‘democracy with minor problems,’ while the same share consider Zimbabwe to be undemocratic. “One in four respondents think that it has become less democratic over the past five years, and four in 10 think the level of democracy is unchanged. “Nonetheless, seven in 10 citizens say that democracy has not been threatened over the last five years.”

Afrobarometer, via Allafrica

Zanu PF Dominance and Opposition Response in Local Politics

While citizens weigh the state of democracy, the ruling party continues to expand its political footprint. Zanu PF is experiencing strong momentum in local politics, successfully dominating both local authority and parliamentary elections to cement its hold on power.

In contrast, political opponents are struggling to find firm footing. The opposition offers minimal resistance to legislative amendments, new laws, and policies that have generated public scrutiny throughout the review period.

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