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Losing Zengeza

The ruling party has won another by-election – and the opposition is faltering

The economic meltdown continues, land resettlement is hobbled by corruption and mismanagement, and the ruling elite is quarrelling over the presidential succession. So the main opposition Movement for Democratic Change should be planning a big victory in next year's parliamentary elections? Not at all. The MDC has been trounced at a key by-election in Zengeza, a township near Harare, and the type of urban constituency it must win for a majority in next year's parliamentary elections. The MDC can no longer get support just because it is not the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Popular Front. Voters are angry about worsening economic privations (AC Vol 45 No 7), but also question the MDC's failure either to score points against ZANU-PF, or to improve their economic position....

(This article contains approximately 1302 words)

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Losing Zengeza

The ruling party has won another by-election – and the opposition is faltering

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