Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Mashonaland East Bureau
Zanu PF party emerged victorious in the local authority by-elections held in Chikomba district over the weekend in wards 7 and 12, continuing with its trend of winning most of the by-elections since the 2023 harmonised elections.
Cde Pardon Mudzimu won Ward 7 with 586 votes, outpacing independent candidates Fadzai Chimanikire who received 75 votes and Hopeday Madzura who garnered 20 votes.
In Ward 12, Cde Fortunate Chakwanda won for Zanu PF with a commanding 925 votes, while independent contender Mr Ignatius Maya managed only 54 votes.
Zanu PF Chikomba District Coordinating Committee chairperson, Cde Vernon Muringani, praised the organisation and execution of the by-elections.
“Everything went on smoothly. The elections were conducted in a professional manner and Zanu PF managed to win both seats,” he said.
Cde Muringani expressed gratitude for the support and resources provided during the campaign and commended the Second Republic’s pro-people developmental projects, which he attributed to the party’s success.
He also extended his appreciation to the campaign team and the Chikomba electorate for their support, marking a significant win for the ruling party, particularly as Ward 12 was previously held by the opposition CCC.
The victory in Chikomba came as ZANU PF also reclaimed the Chegutu Municipality Ward 1 seat in a by-election held on Saturday, ending nearly two decades of opposition control.
Zanu PF candidate Cde Gifty Konjana got 367 votes to defeat two independent candidates in the poll.
Independent candidate Mr Elisha Tonderai Dausi garnered 301 votes, while another independent, Mr Charles Mirisau, received nine votes.
One ballot was rejected and voter turnout was 34,57 percent.
