The Efficacy of Democratic Formations Within ZANU-PF (1980–2015)

This chapter evaluates the impact of antagonistic political party formations from within ZANU-PF on substantive democracy expected in Zimbabwe. ZANU-PF’s hegemonic control of the state since independence in 1980 gives the impression that there was little real opposition to its rule. Subsequent elections in 1980, 1985, 1990 and 1996 were contested by different parties and the results confirmed ZANU-PF’s electoral hegemony.