7 ministers fall as opposition overturns Zanu PF's majority in parliament

7 ministers fall as opposition overturns Zanu PF's majority in parliament

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By Fikile Mapala and Torby Chimhashu

ZANU PF lost control of Zimbabwe’s parliament on Wednesday in the biggest power shift since the country won independence from Britain in 1980.

Official figures showed the two rival Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) factions had won 105 seats in the 210 seat parliament, with one going to Professor Jonathan Moyo, an independent. Zanu PF was trailing on 94 with 10 more seats still at stake.

The MDC split into two factions in 2005. The faction led by founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai has the lion’s share with 96 seats so far, and nine went to the other faction led by Arthur Mutambara.

The MDC’s dramatic win in parliament saw seven ministers fall by the wayside as the party penetrated deep into Mugabe’s traditional rural strongholds.

Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa was the first to face the music in Makoni Central, Agriculture Minister Joseph Made was sunk in Makoni West and Women’s Affairs and Gender minister Oppah Muchingura was simultaneously rejected in Mutasa Central – all considered safe seats for Zanu PF going into the election.

Energy Minister Mike Nyambuya ran out of power in Mutasa North, Mines Minister Amos Midzi was dug out of Epworth and veteran Chen Chimutengwende, the Minister of Public and Interactive Affairs, was sent packing in Mazowe Central.

Voters delivered further carnage, driving Transport Minister Chris Mushowe out of Mutare West.

The MDC, having swept 11 contested seats in the second largest city of Bulawayo, may yet claim an eighth member of Mugabe’s outgoing cabinet – Information Minister Sikhanyiso Ndlovu -- when voters go to the polls in Mpopoma constituency where the election was delayed by the death of Milford Gwetu, a Mutambara MDC candidate and incumbent MP.

The MDC’s stunning success in the hinterlands –for long the bedrock of Mugabe’s success – was the key to unlocking Mugabe’s stranglehold on power.

Zanu PF yielded in Masvingo, Manicaland, Midlands , Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West where Mugabe previously enjoyed sweeping dominance.

Analysts say a collapsed economy and rising poverty connected rural populations with the change message of the opposition.
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