Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has confirmed that all systems are in place for the four by-elections set to take place this Saturday in Victoria Falls and Mutare.
Speaking during a press conference at the Victoria Falls Municipal Boardroom on Friday, ZEC Commissioner Abigail Ambrose revealed that all material and human resources are now in place for the polls.
“All material and human resources are in place. Ward Elections Officers, Deputy Ward Elections Officers, presiding officers and polling officers for all electoral centres have been recruited and trained,” said Commissioner Ambrose.
A total of 23 polling stations have been identified for the by-elections, with Ward 3 of Mutare Municipality having nine polling stations, Ward 9 having four, Ward 10 having four, and Ward 11 having six .
The by-elections are being held to fill vacancies in Ward 3 of Mutare Municipality, which arose following the death of the incumbent councillor, while vacancies for Wards 9, 10 and 11 of Victoria Falls Municipality resulted from recalls by the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
The nomination courts sat on 1 July 2026, and candidates were duly nominated.
In Ward 3, four candidates will contest, including Portia Gwinyai of ZANU PF and Edward Mukambura of the MDC. Victoria Falls will see a host of candidates, with Ward 10 attracting the largest field of eight contestants.
Polling will take place from 7am to 7pm on Saturday.
Commissioner Ambrose urged all stakeholders to maintain peace throughout the electoral process.
“The Commission encourages candidates, political parties and supporters to observe the code of conduct and maintain peace before, during and after the by-elections,” she said.
Ballot papers have already been printed, with 14 650 ballots printed for the 14 073 registered voters, representing a 4.1 percent contingency margin.
Accreditation of observers and the press will continue until Saturday at designated venues in Mutare and Victoria Falls.
derick.khumalo