Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
ALL is set for today’s council by-elections in Masvingo and Nkayi, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission Deputy Chairperson Ambassador Rodney Kiwa has said.
Speaking in Harare yesterday, Ambassador Kiwa urged voters to participate peacefully, stating that no challenges are expected during the elections for Ward 16 of Nkayi Rural District Council and Ward 7 of Masvingo Municipality.
The vacancy in Nkayi occurred on July 17 when the incumbent councillor passed away, while the vacancy in Masvingo arose on August 14, 2025. A total of 6 450 ballot papers have been printed for the two by-elections, which have a voter population of 6 076, constituting 6.16 percent.
In Masvingo Municipality’s Ward 7, independent candidates Prosper Tiringindi Taruvinga, Tsungayi Mandati, and Struggle Nyahunda will compete against ZANU PF’s Simbarashe Shonhiwa and MDC-T’s Prosper Mataruse.
In Nkayi RDC’s Ward 16, ZANU PF’s Cde Sindisiwe Tshabalala will face independent candidate Jabulani Ndlovu, MDC’s Ronald Tshabalala, and Mandlenkosi Tshuma.
Ambassador Kiwa confirmed that all election officers, including ward elections officers, deputy ward elections officers, presiding officers, and polling officers, have been recruited and trained. He added that all material and human resources are in place.
“$6 million has been budgeted for the two by-elections,” Ambassador Kiwa noted. He urged candidates, political officers, and supporters to observe the code of conduct and maintain peace before, during, and after the by-elections.
Four polling stations will be used in Nkayi RDC Ward 16, while seven polling stations will be used in Masvingo Municipality’s Ward 7.
