ZIMBABWE
Parliamentary Chamber: Parliament

ELECTIONS HELD IN 1990

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Chamber:
  Parliament


Dates of elections / renewal (from/to):

  28 March 1990
30 March 1990


Purpose of elections:

  Elections were held for all the popularly chosen seats in Parliament on the normal expiry of the members’ term of office.


Background and outcome of elections:

  The dates of simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections were announced of 15 February 1990. Since the previous (July 1985) polling, the Senate had been abolished and the unicameral Parliament enlarged from 100 to 120 elective seats, in line with constitutional changes promulgated in 1989.

Contesting these parliamentary seats were a total of 271 candidates representing five political parties or running as independents. Most belonged to the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), headed by President of the Republic Robert Mugabe. The latter’s lone challenger for the presidency was Mr. Edgar Tekere of the Zimbabwe Unity Movement (ZUM) formed in April 1989.

The heated electoral campaign was marred by violence and accusations of intimidation. Mr. Mugabe followed an energetic schedule, addressing up to three rallies a day; the ZANU-PF manifesto reiterated the party’s commitment to socialism. Mr. Tekere criticized corruption in official circles and the Government’s record in the economic sector; he also advocated multiparty democracy, opposing Mr. Mugabe’s plans for a one-party State. Another key issue was land reform.

Polling day was marked by a relatively low voter turnout. ZANU-PF swept to victory, securing 116 seats to two for ZUM. Mr. Mugabe, for his part, obtained 78% of the presidential vote. Elected for a five-year term, he formed a new Cabinet on 9 April.

STATISTICS
Round no 1 (28 to 30 March 1990): Elections results  
Number of registered electors 4,800,000 (approx.)
Voters 54% (approx.)

Round no 1: Distribution of seats  
Political Group Total
Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) 116
Zimbabwe Unity Movement (ZUM) 2
ZANU (Ndonga) 1

Comments:
  Elected seats only.
Excluding postponed elections in one constituency.


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Copyright © 1990 Inter-Parliamentary Union