By Pamenus Tuso
The Zimbabwe Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has accepted the outcome of the weekend Nkulumane parliamentary by-election, saying the contest provided valuable lessons despite the party’s failure to secure victory.
The party’s candidate Alson Moyo only managed a paltry 65 votes.
In an interview with CITE, EFF Zimbabwe president Innocent Ndibali said the party had exercised its democratic right to contest the poll as a duly registered political organisation under Zimbabwe’s electoral laws.
“While we entered the race with the hope of winning, we fell short. The outcome is disappointing to our members and supporters. Nonetheless, this campaign has been a vital learning process,” Ndibali said.
The by-election was won by Zanu PF candidate Freedom Murechu, amid allegations of vote buying raised by some rival candidates. Zanu PF has not formally responded to the claims.
Despite the loss, EFF said it remains committed to building a strong political foundation in Nkulumane and other communities through grassroots mobilisation, political education and community-centred economic empowerment.
Ndibali reaffirmed the party’s ideological position that political freedom must result in tangible economic benefits for citizens.
“We believe that all that is economic is political and all that is political is economic,” he said.
The EFF said it measures economic freedom through what it termed a “township square test”, which includes access to food, healthcare, education and pensions.
“When young people and the elderly can secure three meals a day, when families access decent healthcare, when children receive quality free education and when pensioners control their own money then economic freedom becomes real,” said Ndibali.
He described the party as an “established political force” that will continue to participate in future elections while expanding its organisational capacity.
“Zimbabwe is the only country we have and therefore it is our duty to be part of rebuilding and transforming it,” he said.
EFF leader also commended the peaceful conduct of the by-election, noting that political competition took place without violence. The party congratulated Murechu on his victory and urged him to use his mandate to deliver development in the constituency.
He called on EFF members to remain disciplined and focused, urging them to turn the party’s political beliefs into practical action.
The Nkulumane parliamentary by-election was held to fill a vacant seat in the national assembly. Several political parties contested the seat in what was widely described as a competitive race.
The poll attracted attention due to its peaceful environment and allegations of vote buying raised by some contestants, highlighting ongoing concerns about electoral practices in Zimbabwe.