HARARE – Zimbabwe’s political and governance challenges will not be solved by simply holding elections in 2028, a political analyst has warned, calling for deeper structural reforms rooted in constitutionalism and democratic legitimacy.
Political analyst Davies Laque says the country risks reducing a complex national crisis to an electoral event, while ignoring underlying governance deficits that have persisted for years.
At the centre of his critique is a growing concern that political discourse is being narrowly framed around succession battles within ZANU PF, rather than focusing on the broader national interest and constitutional order.
“The political problems bedevilling Zimbabwe won’t be resolved by simply having an election in 2028.”
Beyond Elections: A Legitimacy Crisis
Laque argues that Zimbabwe’s crisis is fundamentally about democratic legitimacy, not just electoral timelines. There, he sounds like former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa. While elections remain a cornerstone of democracy, he insists they must be credible, inclusive, and anchored in full constitutional implementation.
He points to ongoing debates around Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), warning that such reforms risk entrenching partisan control rather than strengthening democratic institutions.
From a legal standpoint, this raises concerns about the supremacy of the Constitution, separation of powers, and the integrity of electoral processes, all critical pillars in any functioning democracy.
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History, Power and Political Identity
The analyst also takes aim at what he describes as an overemphasis on liberation war identity within political discourse. While acknowledging its historical significance, he warns that it should not overshadow present-day governance demands.
Zimbabwe’s 2017 political transition, often framed as an internal party matter, remains a key reference point, highlighting the blurred lines between party interests and state institutions.
This, he argues, continues to shape perceptions of exclusion among citizens who feel disconnected from ruling party narratives.
Call for National Dialogue and Reform
Laque is calling for a shift from partisan politics to national consensus-building, including:
- Full implementation of the current Constitution
- Clear, time-bound commitments to credible elections
- Inclusive national dialogue on Zimbabwe’s future
- A move away from individual-driven visions toward a shared national agenda
He stresses that security sector neutrality and respect for electoral outcomes will be critical in restoring public trust.
Without institutional reform, legal clarity, and genuine political inclusion, the risk is that the country repeats old cycles, with new dates, but the same unresolved problems.
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