By Ignatious G Sadziwa
20 April, 2025
Background
I was recently intrigued by a captivating video on Facebook showcasing Hon. Mutsa Murombedzi,a proportional representative member of parliament for Mashonaland West participating in a field day (green show )in Mhondoro, Mashonaland West Province.
The event seemed to highlight agricultural initiatives with a primary emphasis on cultivating small grains as a mitigatory measure to climate change induced famine.Agriculture being fundamental to rural livelihoods,the member of parliament’s initiative holds considerable significance.
Although the gesture may seem minor, I assure you it’s a significant milestone. If the opposition can build on this momentum and consistently engage rural populations through such initiatives and others nationwide, I see a glimmer of hope.
Since the inception of MDC,in 1999 ,rural penetration has been a tall order with both it’s leadership and supporters being subjected to serious orgies of political violence and persecution.This has negatively impacted on the opposition party’s chances of making in roads in rural areas,whose population amounts to 67% of the total voter population.
Conversely, in the 2008 harmonized elections, the MDC formations won a combined 109 seats out of 210 in the national assembly with more than 50 of these seats being rural.It is against this backdrop that the opposition seek to endeavour to achieve that fit.
An October 18,2024 report by Zimbabwe Peace Project(ZPP) highlights that politically motivated violence and intimidation were still rampant in rural communities. The report went further to point out that most victims risk being denied food aid,physical abuse and being threatened to lose their communal and agriculture land if they exercise political rights deemed unpopular by ruling party activists.
This article will explore challenges, strategies and potential solutions for the opposition to successfully traverse this difficult terrain.
Challenges
Opposition parties have in the past faced challenges penetrating rural constituencies owing to a plethora of issues. Below are some of these challenges:
•Limited access: Rural infrastructure like poor roads, poor communication network and transport challenges has been militating against opposition’s access.
•Traditional leadership bias
Traditional leaders in rural areas are often politicized to coerce their subjects to toe the line and render support to the ruling party .According to statistics from the Ministry of Local Government,Zimbabwe has over 35 000 villages thus village heads also known as masabhuku are literally defacto cell chairpersons of ZANU PF.Constitutionally, traditional leaders are to stay impartial.
• Limited resources
Opposition parties may have limited resources, including funding, personnel, and infrastructure, making it difficult to campaign effectively in rural areas.
•Intimidation and violence
Zanu PF has in the past effectively used intimidation and violence to cow opposition supporters into submission.A report by Amnesty International states that more than 500 MDC supporters killed in cold blood in the 2008 harmonized elections.The report attribute the carnage to state sanctioned violence.In 2023 harmonized elections, Zanu PF deployment members of Forever Associates of Zimbabwe, (FAZ),a coercive entity that intimidated CCC CCC supporters and influenced the outcome of the vote.
• Politicization of food aid
The weaponization of food aid has been a tactic employed by the ZANU PF government in Zimbabwe to influence rural constituencies and deny opposition parties, such as the Citizens for Coalition Change (CCC), from gaining support. This practice involves manipulating food distribution to favour ZANU PF supporters and withholding aid from areas or individuals perceived to be opposition supporters.
Strategies and possible solutions
To effectively penetrate rural areas, opposition parties can consider the following strategies
• Use Proportional MPs in “orphaned” constituencies :The CCC got a combined 54 seats in both National Assembly and house of Senate .Zimbabwe has 147 rural and peri-urban constituencies.These non constituent MPs can play a pivot role in these “orphaned” constituencies as we have already seen the role Hon Murombedzi is playing in Mashonaland West Province.
• Establish a Rural Taskforce Team:To effectively mobilize rural support, it’s essential to establish a team of dedicated individuals who possess a deep understanding of rural life and are embedded within these communities. These include local champions ,community based mobilizers and rural research experts. These people must have an understanding of rural life and must be able to provide tailored solutions
• Build relationships with local leaders: Establish connections with traditional leaders, village heads, and other influential figures to gain credibility and access to local networks.
• Understand local
issues: Conduct grassroots research to understand the specific challenges, needs, and concerns of rural communities, and tailor policies and messages accordingly.
•Mobilize local activists: Recruit and train local activists and volunteers to campaign, distribute materials, and engage with voters in their areas.
•Use local languages and cultural nuances*: Communicate in local languages and incorporate cultural references to build trust and rapport with rural communities.
•Provide tangible benefits*: Offer tangible benefits, such as agricultural support, healthcare services, or educational programs, to demonstrate the party’s commitment to rural development.
• Leverage technology: Utilize mobile technology, social media, and other digital platforms to reach rural areas, share information, and mobilize support.
•Build coalitions with local organizations*: Partner with local organizations, such as farmers’ unions, women’s groups, or youth organizations, to amplify the party’s message and build credibility.
•Engage in door-to-door campaigning: Conduct door-to-door campaigning to build personal connections with voters, listen to their concerns, and promote the party’s policies.
•Use local events and gatherings: Attend local events, such as agricultural shows, traditional ceremonies, or community meetings, to connect with rural communities and promote the party’s message.
By employing these strategies, opposition parties can change their fortunes and stamp their presence in rural areas and increase their chances of winning support.
Conclusion
In Zimbabwe, the rural vote is a crucial aspect of the electoral landscape ,given that significant proportion of the electorate resides in rural areas.
Consequently,effective rural penetration by opposition parties requires a deep understanding of rural life, strong community engagement, and tailored strategies to address the unique challenges and needs of rural communities. By building relationships with local leaders, mobilizing local activists, and providing tangible benefits, opposition parties can increase their visibility, credibility, and support in rural areas. Ultimately, a well-planned and executed rural penetration strategy can help opposition parties build a stronger presence, challenge the status quo, and potentially gain a competitive edge in rural constituencies.
Moreover, by investing in rural communities and listening to their concerns, opposition parties can not only win elections but also foster sustainable development and promote democratic governance in these often-neglected areas.
Ignatious G Sadziwa is the Executive Director @Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust (ZEAT). He is a social democrat and election expert.
He can be contacted @ Mobile/WhatsApp: 263772706621.Facebook/X :Ignatious Sadziwa.
