By Wezhira Munya
The late President Morgan Richard Tsvangirai of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) once famously stated, “They can rig elections, but they cannot rig the economy.” This assertion remains profoundly relevant today, as the Zimbabwean populace continues to grapple with the fallout from the 2018 and 2023 harmonized elections, which were marred by allegations of fraud against the ruling Zanu-PF party. Furthermore, President Nelson Chamisa emphasized that the economy tends to respond positively when leadership is elected by the citizens. He warned, however, that the economy will reject any outcomes arising from rigged elections. This statement highlights the critical relationship between democratic governance and economic performance. President Chamisa suggests that genuine democratic processes foster economic confidence and growth, as they reflect the will of the people. Conversely, he implies that elections marred by fraud undermine legitimacy, leading to economic stagnation or decline. This perspective underscores the importance of free and fair elections as a foundation for not only political stability but also economic prosperity.
In 2018 and 2023, the Citizens overwhelmingly supported and voted for President Chamisa, yet the elections were manipulated, resulting in Emmerson Mnangagwa’s regime retaining power through dubious means, including the involvement of the Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ) and the Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC). The local and international observers’ 2018 and 2023 election reports, clearly state elections were rigged by Zanu PF.
As we find ourselves in 2025, nearly two years after Zanu-PF’s controversial retention of power, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor, Dr. John Mushayavanhu, has attempted to impose the newly redesigned Zimbabwean Gold (ZiG) currency on a skeptical public. However, Zimbabweans have roundly rejected this initiative. The economy is in turmoil, with essential goods such as fuel and school fees predominantly priced in United States Dollars. Prominent businesses like OK Zimbabwe and N. Richards have shuttered their doors due to the overwhelming reliance on foreign currency, leading to widespread job losses.
The root of Zimbabwe’s economic malaise lies in the lack of free and fair elections. Mnangagwa’s administration has proven incapable of reversing the economic decline that followed the alleged theft of power from the people’s president, Chamisa. The call for unity among war veterans, students, workers, and citizens has never been more critical. War veterans, led by Blessed Geza, have already voiced their demands for Mnangagwa’s resignation, signaling a broader dissatisfaction with the current regime.
During his announcement of the 2025 policy statement, Governor Mushayavanhu declared that new ZiG notes would soon be introduced. He stated, “The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has begun redesigning ZiG banknotes to improve their quality and durability, in line with international standards.” He went on to assert that the redesigned notes would feature enhanced security measures to combat counterfeiting.
Mushayavanhu further criticized the current ZiG notes, introduced in April 2024, for their poor quality. He noted that these banknotes were prone to wear and tear, quickly fading and becoming difficult to handle. “Merchants and banks have also indicated that there are challenges in maintaining the usability of worn-out notes,” he added, acknowledging the public’s frustration.
While Mushayavanhu justified the redesign by claiming it was standard practice for central banks to periodically update currency to prevent counterfeiting and improve durability, many Zimbabweans remain unconvinced. The governor’s assertions that the ZiG currency has been broadly accepted by the public seem disingenuous. The reality is that essential services and goods continue to be traded primarily in foreign currency, and many businesses have closed due to the lack of consumer confidence in the ZiG.
Mushayavanhu’s claim that “stakeholders noted that the ZiG had been generally accepted by consumers and businesses” is met with skepticism. Fuel prices and school fees overwhelmingly demand payment in United States Dollars, a stark indication that the public’s trust in the ZiG has not materialized as he suggests.
The Zimbabwean populace is calling for a return to democratic governance and the economic stability that can only be achieved through genuine elections. The time has come for unity among all sectors of society to demand accountability and restore the mandate given to President Chamisa in the 2023 elections.
