In a shocking attack on democracy, the main opposition party in Zimbabwe, the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC), has been banned from contesting recent by-elections. The ban was made possible by Sengezo Tshabangu, a little-known figure who claims to be the CCC’s interim secretary-general. His actions, backed by court rulings, have sparked outrage across the country and raised fears that Zimbabwe is sliding back into one-party rule.

This situation shows just how broken Zimbabwe’s institutions have become. The judiciary is no longer independent. Parliament is no longer a place of fair debate. State institutions are being used as tools by the ruling party, Zanu PF, to crush the opposition and silence the voice of the people.

The CCC had done well in the general elections held in August last year. In places like Cowdray Park and Mabvuku-Tafara, CCC candidates Pashor Sibanda and Munyaradzi Kufahakutizwi beat Zanu PF candidates who had more money and state resources. These victories proved that voters still have the power to reject poor leadership, even when the system is stacked against them.

But now, those same CCC candidates have been banned from running again in the by-elections. The courts ruled against them, supporting Tshabangu’s claim that he represents the CCC. These rulings are seen by many as part of a political plot led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to weaken the opposition and build a one-party state.

This move is not just unfair—it is dangerous. Zimbabwe’s democracy is already fragile. Now it is being destroyed in broad daylight. What is happening feels all too familiar. Many Zimbabweans are comparing this crackdown to the worst days under Robert Mugabe, when elections were rigged, opposition leaders were jailed, and dissent was crushed.

Political experts are warning that this path leads to chaos. Stephen Chan, a respected scholar, said the CCC may need to take a stronger and more radical stance. Ibbo Mandaza, another leading analyst, said the courts and Parliament are now part of Zanu PF’s political machinery. Rashweat Mukundu, a well-known commentator, even suggested that the CCC should consider withdrawing from Parliament and local councils altogether, since the rules are no longer fair.

The CCC is in a tough spot. It is trying to represent millions of people who are tired of corruption, joblessness, and poor services. But at every turn, the party is being blocked by a system that protects the powerful and punishes anyone who dares to challenge them.

Tshabangu’s role in this mess is key. Many believe he is working with Zanu PF and state agents to tear the opposition apart from the inside. By recalling elected MPs and councillors and claiming to lead the CCC, he has handed Zanu PF an easy path to dominate Parliament. And the courts have gone along with it.

This is a dark moment for Zimbabwe. People are angry. People are scared. And if things continue like this, there is a real risk of protests, unrest, or even worse. When people feel that voting doesn’t matter anymore, they start to look for other ways to be heard.

The international community must not look away. The Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Union, and global partners must speak out now. Zimbabwe cannot afford another stolen future. The people deserve real elections, real justice, and real leadership—not a puppet show where the winner is picked before the first vote is cast.

This situation is not just about CCC. It’s about every Zimbabwean who wants a better life and a fair chance. If democracy dies in Zimbabwe, it will not be because the people didn’t care—it will be because those in power feared the people’s voice more than anything else.

The fight for democracy is not over. But it is under attack. And now more than ever, Zimbabwe needs brave leaders and citizens to stand up, speak out, and demand better.