Is Zimbabwe's nation ready for new elections?

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs argues that Zimbabwe is not currently prepared for new elections due to a lack of political will, financial constraints, and the failure to implement the Global Political Agreement (GPA). The author contends that holding polls without a new constitution and revamped state institutions could lead to violence and undermine the legitimacy of the Government of National Unity (GNU).

• Current conditions in Zimbabwe are deemed unsuitable for free and fair elections, as the country lacks a new constitution, which the GPA stipulated should be established within 18 to 24 months. The drafting process has been delayed by financial constraints and a lack of political will, with the parliamentary committee's outreach exercise starting more than a year late.
• The Government of National Unity (GNU) is characterized by instability, power struggles, and a lack of legitimacy. Tensions exist between Zanu-PF and the MDC-T over the appointment of senior officials—such as Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono and Attorney-General Johannes Tomana—and the delayed swearing-in of Roy Bennett. These disputes, along with the continued control of security forces by Zanu-PF, create a risk that elections could trigger a 'reign of terror and violence' similar to the 2008 presidential run-off.
• Significant structural and financial barriers prevent the administration of credible elections. State institutions responsible for elections require revamping, and the government's lack of financial viability is evidenced by 15 constituencies that currently lack parliamentary representation because there are no funds to hold by-elections.
• The failure to implement the GPA and resolve power-sharing disputes has led the European Union and the United States to extend targeted sanctions on senior Zanu-PF officials. This political impasse is damaging the GNU's credibility and deterring potential investors.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (2010). Is Zimbabwe's nation ready for new elections? https://saiia.org.za/research/zimbabwe-is-nation-ready-for-new-elections/

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. Is Zimbabwe's nation ready for new elections? 2010. https://saiia.org.za/research/zimbabwe-is-nation-ready-for-new-elections/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=Is Zimbabwe's nation ready for new elections? |date=15 July 2010 |url=https://saiia.org.za/research/zimbabwe-is-nation-ready-for-new-elections/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairs2010zimbabwes, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{Is Zimbabwe's nation ready for new elections?}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2010}, month = jul, url = {https://saiia.org.za/research/zimbabwe-is-nation-ready-for-new-elections/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }