Zimbabwe's Political Landscape Shaken as Special Elections Begin

Zimbabwe is holding special elections for nine parliamentary seats after opposition lawmakers were removed and disqualified from running again. The opposition claims it is an illegal move by the ruling ZANU-PF party to strengthen its majority and potentially change the constitution, allowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to run for another term. The opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change, argues that the removal of its lawmakers is an attempt to increase ZANU-PF's control in Parliament. Rights groups have criticized ZANU-PF for using institutions like the courts and police to suppress opposition and criticism.