Concerns over the growing influence of money in Zimbabwe’s elections were raised in Bulawayo on Wednesday, as stakeholders warned that large financial pledges in recent by-elections risk undermining fairness.
The issues were highlighted at the 2025 Annual Election Assessment Report meeting hosted by the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association in partnership with the Election Resource Centre (ERC).
Takunda Tsunga, ERC’s Programmes Manager, said the use of financial inducements was among the key concerns identified in by-elections held in Glen View South and Nkulumane.
“The use of financial inducements emerged as a growing concern during the 2025 by elections with reports of substantial monetary pledges made ahead of polling. In Glenview South and Nkulumane by- elections, pledged amounts reportedly exceeded US$300,000, including a conditional US$80,000 commitment linked to the victory of a candidate in Nkulumane. A review of the political party finance act is necessary to address widening challenges,” said Tsunga.
He said residents reported that the pledges were openly discussed in communities before voting day.
“Residents explained that these promises were being talked about openly in their areas and that people were discussing how much money had been pledged. Some community members said they felt uncomfortable because elections should be about choosing leaders based on ideas and plans, not about who is promising more money. They said when such big amounts are mentioned, it can confuse voters and shift attention away from real issues affecting the community,” he said.
Residents also questioned whether heavy spending disadvantaged candidates without similar financial backing.
“Reports were made by residents who said that when too much money is used in campaigns, it can make the election unfair. They shared that candidates who have access to large sums of money may be able to organise more events, make more promises and gain more visibility than others,” said Tsunga.
He added that the 2025 assessment drew on short-term observer deployments, ERC call centre reports, stakeholder engagements, media monitoring, open-source intelligence and civil society reports.
The findings have renewed calls for tighter regulation of political party financing to protect electoral integrity.