‘Be wary of social media abusers’

Locadia Mavhudzi Midlands Correspondent.
Traditional leaders in Shurugwi have urged people to be wary of fake election results circulating on social media, which have prompted some candidates to start throwing parties at Chachacha Growth Point to celebrate their perceived success. Chief Banga of Shurugwi Tongogara-Chachacha community said some council and parliamentary seat candidates had gullibly fallen for the fake news stories; hence, the premature celebrations.

“We are already seeing some contestants celebrating and spreading the message that they are winners. That is unlawful. May all contestants be patient as we wait for the official communication from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission,” he said.
There was a carnival mood at Chachacha Growth Point, the business centre of Shurugwi South constituency.

Meanwhile, ZEC district elections officer for Shurugwi Mr Rocky Silenje said collating of results is still underway in wards 13 and 15 in Shurugwi South, which are remote.

“We are yet to receive results from 2 remote districts in Shurugwi South. We had communication challenges with our officials there. We are hoping to release the results in the earliest possible time.”

Meanwhile, acting ZEC chief elections officer Mr Utoile Silaigwana recently took a swipe at social media abusers, saying it is illegal for candidates, their supporters or agents to announce results before they are declared or announced by the elections officer.

Section 66(A) and (B) of the Electoral Act stipulates that it is illegal for any person to announce election results as official or to declare any candidate duly elected before the election officer announces so.