Online Reporter
VOTING in the Nkulumane Constituency began smoothly this morning, with a steady stream of residents arriving at polling stations to cast their ballots.
All 34 polling stations across the constituency opened on time at exactly 7 am, marking the official start of the by-election.
The voters are casting their votes in an orderly fashion. The constituency has a total of 22 883 registered voters.
The by-election was necessitated by the death of the sitting legislator, Mr Desire Moyo.
Zimpapers reporters Gibson Mhaka and Raymond Jaravaza together with photographers, Eliah Saushoma and Nkosizile Ndlovu will be giving us updates as voters cast their votes.
Nine candidates contest Nkulumane by-election
Nine candidates are competing for the Nkulumane Constituency legislative seat in the ongoing by-election, which follows the passing of the late legislator, Mr. Desire Moyo.
Among the contenders is ZANU PF’s Freedom Murechu, Mothusi Ndlovu of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and Vivian Sibanda representing the Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU).
The race also includes several independent candidates: Ester Excellia Zitha, Rodney Jele, and Mbuso Fuzwayo.
Other contenders include Ethel Sibanda from the MDC-T, Alson Moyo of the Economic Freedom Fighters Zimbabwe (EFF), and Nompilo Ncube Malaba representing the Zimbabwe African National Congress.
Nkulumane Constituency By-Elections off to a peaceful start
The by-elections in Nkulumane Constituency are underway, with all 34 polling stations opening on time at 7am, according to Constituency Elections Officer Mrs Sithembiso Khuphe.
As of this morning, voters have started trickling in to cast their ballots, with the election proceeding peacefully, Mrs Khuphe said.
“The voting process is going well, and we’re encouraging all eligible voters to come out and exercise their democratic right,” she said.
Nkulumane residents commend smooth voting process
Residents of the Nkulumane Constituency expressed immense pride and excitement as they turned out to cast their ballots, describing the voting process as a vibrant celebration of democracy in action.
Many voters praised the efficient management at polling stations, highlighting that short and quickly moving queues made the experience even more positive.
This smooth process allowed residents to participate enthusiastically without long waits or frustration.
The atmosphere was charged with optimism, as community members embraced their civic duty with a strong sense of unity and hope for the future.
ZANU PF candidate Cde Freedom Murechu eyes victory in Nkulumane
ZANU PF candidate Cde Freedom Murechu cast his vote at the Brethren in Christ Church polling station at 9:45 am.
Speaking to the media after voting, Cde Murechu expressed strong confidence in securing the seat for ZANU PF.
“I am confident of winning the seat for ZANU PF. We have done our groundwork and connected well with the electorate,” he stated.
His remarks reflected optimism and determination as the voting process continues in the constituency.
CCC candidate Mothusi Ndlovu expresses satisfaction after voting in Nkulumane
Mothusi Ndlovu, popularly known as Madlela Skhobokobo and the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate, expressed his satisfaction after casting his vote in the Nkulumane Constituency.
Speaking to the media shortly after voting, Ndlovu praised the electoral process as free and peaceful. He commended the calm environment that enabled residents to exercise their voting rights without any challenges.
Independent candidate Mbuso Fuzwayo praises peaceful voting environment in Nkulumane
Mbuso Fuzwayo, an independent candidate, expressed strong approval of the electoral environment after casting his ballot at the Anglican Church A polling station in Nkulumane.
Speaking to the media, Fuzwayo described the overall voting process as peaceful and commended the “conducive atmosphere” that enabled voters to participate without any challenges.
His remarks highlight the calm and orderly conditions under which residents exercised their democratic rights.
Independent candidate Rodney Jele notes low voter turnout but remains hopeful in Nkulumane By-Election
Rodney Jele, an independent candidate contesting the Nkulumane parliamentary seat by-election, observed a low voter turnout early in the day.
Speaking to the media, Jele however expressed hope that more voters would come out in their numbers as the day progresses to cast their ballots.
Nkulumane voting update: Nearly 2,000 cast ballots by 10am
Mr Phanankosi Mpofu, the Deputy Elections Officer at the Nkulumane Constituency Command Centre, giving an update on the voting process.
As of 10AM, a total of 1,961 people had voted, consisting of 1 217 females and 744 males.
During this period, 50 people were turned away (22 males and 28 females), while 29 voters required assistance (21 females and 8 males).
Mr Mpofu detailed the reasons provided for those turned away, noting that some were not on the voters’ roll, some did not have valid IDs, and others presented expired passports.
Additionally, some individuals were unable to vote because they brought driver’s licenses and presented defaced IDs.
Voter turnout slows significantly by midday in Nkulumane Constituency
Despite the early morning enthusiasm and efficient processing reported at various stations, voter turnout across the Nkulumane Constituency slowed significantly as the day progressed toward midday.
By noon, many polling stations that had previously seen steady streams of residents reported a noticeable decline in activity.
Voting continues smoothly at Nkulumane Hall
AS of 2PM on voting day, 113 voters had cast their ballots at the Nkulumane Hall as by-elections to elect a Member of Parliament for Nkulumane Constituency continues smoothly.
The voting station has 641 registered voters.
302 are males while 339 are females.
Nkulumane Hall presiding officer Ms Rejoice Mtombeni said as of 2PM, 68 females had voted while 45 males had cast their ballots.
“We turned away 13 people, six females and seven males, because they were not registered to vote at this polling station. Four voters were assisted to vote. Three were females and one was male. Two of the assisted voters brought their confidants.
“Its been a smooth and peaceful vote and the candidates’ polling agents are here monitoring the voting process,” said Ms Mtombeni.
Nkulumane by-election update: Over 3,300 voters cast ballots by mid-afternoon
Speaking from the Nkulumane High School Command Centre on election day, Constituency Elections Officer Mrs Sithembiso Khuphe reported that as of 2 pm, a total of 3,367 voters had participated in the by-election.
Mrs Khuphe’s update provides an early indication of voter turnout in the closely watched contest. The by-election follows the vacancy created in the Nkulumane parliamentary seat, with residents heading to the polls to choose their new representative.
Officials continue to oversee the voting process to ensure it proceeds smoothly throughout the day. Further updates on turnout and election developments are expected as polling stations close.
Nkulumane by-election update: Nearly 4,000 votes cast as polls continue
Mrs Sithembiso Khuphe, the Nkukumane Constituency Elections Officer, provided an update stating that as of 5:00 PM, a total of 3 992 people had cast their votes. A breakdown of these figures indicates that the turnout included 2 410 men and 1 582 women.
During the same period, 296 individuals were turned away from the polling stations. Mrs Khuphe detailed several reasons for these disqualifications, noting that many individuals were not found on the official voters’ roll.
Others were unable to participate because they lacked valid identification, with some presenting expired passports or defaced IDs that could not be accepted for verification.
Voting closes in Nkulumane
THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has said voter turnout in the Nkulumane Constituency by-election stood at 21 percent at the close of polling stations at 7pm today, with some voters still in queues casting their ballots.
Giving an update shortly after the close of polls, ZEC commissioner Abigail Mohadi-Ambrose said the figures released were provisional as voting was still ongoing at some polling stations.
“The polling stations have officially closed at 19:00 hours. We still have people in the voting queue still voting, so the statistics I’m going to give you as of now are not the final,” said Comm Mohadi-Ambrose.
She said by 7pm, a total of 4 798 voters had cast their ballots, comprising 1 909 males and 2 889 females, out of a registered voter population of 22 833.
“The voter turnout as of now is 21 percent,” she said.
Comm Mohadi-Ambrose also provided a breakdown of assisted voters and those who were turned away.
“Assisted voters were 175 in total, with 55 males and 120 females. There were also 383 people who were turned away, made up of 175 males and 208 females,” she said.
She said the major reasons for turning away voters included being registered in different constituencies, failure to appear on the voters’ roll, lack of valid national identity documents, presenting expired passports, or using driver’s licences, which are not accepted for voting purposes.
“The major reasons were that they were from different constituencies, not Nkulumane. They were not on the voters’ roll, they did not have their IDs, or they had expired passports, or they came with their driver’s licences,” said Comm Mohadi-Ambrose.
She said ZEC would issue another update after the completion of vote counting.
