DEMOCRACY ON AUCTION: HOW ZIMBABWEAN VOTERS ARE BEING SOLD OUT

Zimbabwe’s democracy is slowly being turned into a marketplace where principles, promises and even the people’s vote appear to be available to the highest bidder. The latest example comes from Budiriro North Member of Parliament Susan Matsunga, whose recent actions have left many opposition supporters shocked and disappointed.

Matsunga, elected under the Citizens Coalition for Change banner, has openly declared her support for Constitution Amendment Bill Number 3. More importantly, she says she supports one of its most controversial proposals, the idea that Zimbabwe’s President should be elected through Parliament rather than directly by the people. This position places her firmly on the same side as ZANU PF and directly against the wishes of many citizens who believe the right to choose a President through the ballot box is a fundamental democratic right.

Her decision is attracting even more attention because it comes shortly after she received a brand new 2026 Toyota Fortuner and US$50,000 in cash from businessman Wicknell Chivayo. The gifts were reportedly given in recognition of her support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s development projects. While some may argue that there is nothing illegal about receiving such gifts, the timing raises serious questions about political influence, loyalty and accountability.

The people of Budiriro North did not vote for a ZANU PF Member of Parliament. They voted for a representative of the opposition. They expected someone who would defend democratic values, challenge government excesses and stand with citizens against attempts to weaken the Constitution. Instead, they are now watching their representative support a bill that could significantly change how Zimbabwe chooses its leaders.

The proposed constitutional changes are not minor technical adjustments. They strike at the heart of democratic participation. The right of citizens to directly elect a President is one of the most important powers people have in any democracy. Removing that power and transferring it to Parliament would create a system where political elites make decisions on behalf of millions of ordinary Zimbabweans.

What makes the situation even more troubling is that ZANU PF needs a two thirds majority to push through such constitutional changes. Every opposition vote that crosses the floor becomes valuable. Every opposition Member of Parliament who supports the ruling party’s agenda brings the government closer to achieving its objective. This is why Matsunga’s position matters so much.

For years, Zimbabweans have been told that elections matter. Citizens spend hours standing in queues under the sun to cast their votes. Some have faced intimidation and harassment simply for supporting the opposition. Many have sacrificed greatly in the hope of building a more democratic Zimbabwe. They deserve representatives who respect that sacrifice.

The danger is that politics begins to look less like public service and more like a business transaction. When elected officials receive expensive gifts and then support policies that benefit those in power, public trust inevitably suffers. Citizens begin to question whether decisions are being made in the national interest or in pursuit of personal rewards.

Democracy cannot survive if voters believe their representatives can be bought. It cannot survive if elected officials abandon the principles that brought them into office. Most importantly, it cannot survive if the voice of the people is replaced by the interests of a small political elite.

The people of Zimbabwe must remain vigilant. Constitutional changes should never be driven by personal interests, political convenience or financial influence. The future of the country is too important to be auctioned off to the highest bidder.