Civil society organisations have raised alarm over the growing trend of public cash flaunting and the misuse of state and administrative resources ahead of elections, warning that such practices distort the political landscape and undermine democratic processes.
Speaking at a research findings dissemination meeting hosted by the Election Resource Centre (ERC) in Bulawayo, participants said “money politics”, from extravagant public cash displays to strategically timed donations, was increasingly influencing voter behaviour.
ERC Programmes Officer, Takunda Tsunga, said a case study of the 2023 harmonised elections revealed that the misuse of resources had become entrenched both nationally and within communities. He cited a lack of transparency around political party finances, noting that millions of dollars disbursed to major parties remain unaccounted for.
“There are political parties that are receiving large amounts of money… not a single person in Zimbabwe knows where that money is going,” Tsunga said. “This is an act of corruption where you manipulate an election using resources. It is clearly defined as an unlawful practice in the Electoral Act.”
Tsunga said researchers also noted widespread abuse of state resources, including political interference in state media, reported manipulation of private media, and concerns over judicial independence.
“There is growing concern over the capture of the judiciary,” he said, referring to the controversial US$400,000 housing loans issued to judges before the 2023 elections. “Where do we draw the line when elected officials continue to receive endless benefits?”
The conduct of public officials also came under scrutiny, with Tsunga citing Information Ministry Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana as an example of partisan behaviour by civil servants. He further criticised the ruling party for holding political events in schools, describing it as a breach of electoral ethics.
Other activists raised concerns about wealthy, politically connected individuals, often referred to as Mbingas, who publicly flaunt large sums of cash in ways that violate financial regulations and distort the election environment.
“In the past, police would arrest someone carrying large amounts of money,” one participant said. “Banks limit withdrawals, yet we see astronomical figures being flaunted in public. It affects the political environment because this money is strategically used to influence voting patterns.”
CSOs warned that the idolisation of such individuals exerts psychological pressure on communities, making voters susceptible to manipulation.
“They have created these semi-gods who appear capable of changing people’s lives overnight,” one activist said. “These displays shape societal expectations and influence political behaviour.”
Concern was also raised over politically timed donations, such as boreholes, free Wi-Fi and Starlink kits, which are often withdrawn when candidates lose elections.
“When politicians lose, they take back what they donated. That is vote buying,” an activist said. “In Nkulumane, people are already saying they must vote for the candidate to keep the Starlink.”
Civil society groups urged authorities to enforce electoral laws, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and protect citizens from undue political influence.
“How can a minister arrive in a helicopter for a by-election and dish out goodies?” one participant asked. “The abuse of state resources will not end unless citizens take responsibility and demand accountability. We have failed to distinguish between the ruling party and the government.”
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