Abstract

Zimbabwe’s governance system between 1980 and 2021 has been characterised by politics of inclusivity and exclusivity with attendant economic and political consequences. The economic blizzards which bit Zimbabwe after 2000 receded following the establishment of a government of national unity in 2009.The promising situation was by no means an outcome of fortuity, but a consequence of the competent hand of inclusive politics at the wheel of governance that facilitated speedy recovery. In spite of ZANU-PF’s celebration of the 2013 and 2019 general election victories and rule under the guidance of the“winner- takes- all” model, this article argues that Zimbabwe has not seen an improvement in its economic and political fortunes. On the contrary it has experienced resurgence in liquidity crunch, unprecedented unemployment, introduction of a surrogate currency and street demonstrations. In this regard, the paper argues that Zimbabwean politics and economics have gone into the doldrums. In view of the challenges emanating from the “winner- takes- all” political paradigm, the paper advocates the adoption of coalition democracy in Zimbabwe because it will arguably promote national unity and macro-economic fundamentals that favour economic development.