Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka in Tsholotsho
THE Tsholotsho Rural District Council (RDC) by-elections continued peacefully on Saturday, with a steady flow of voters observed across polling stations in Wards 1, 10 and 21.
Polling stations opened on time at 7am, with election officials, polling agents and security personnel in place.
Voters queued patiently to cast their ballots in a calm and orderly atmosphere.
A Chronicle news crew observed that voting was progressing smoothly, with no incidents reported. By midday, most polling stations in Ward 10 had each recorded more than 60 voters, reflecting a positive turnout in the by-election.
At Madlangombe Clinic polling station in Ward 10, Presiding Officer Mr Dingumuzi Nyoni said that by 10am, 62 people had voted, comprising 48 females and 14 males.
At Nemane Primary School polling station, also in Ward 10, Presiding Officer Mr Taurai Gavi said that by 9am, 63 people had voted, including 46 females and 17 males.
Six voters were assisted, three females and three males, all of whom were visually impaired.
At Ngubomlilo polling station, Presiding Officer Ms Abigail Nyathi reported that by 11am, 63 people had cast their votes, with 46 females and 17 males participating.
Several voters expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the election and encouraged fellow residents to take part in choosing leaders who would champion development in their communities.
The by-elections are being contested by seven candidates across the three wards. In Ward 1, Zanu-PF candidate Cde Lindiwe Mkwananzi is facing independent candidate Mr Solani Mlilo. Ward 10 has attracted three candidates — Cde Simbisai Ndlovu of Zanu-PF, Mr Mchlukanisi Washington Ncube of Zapu and independent candidate Mr Ntando Siziba. In Ward 21, Zanu-PF candidate Cde Phillip Mvundla is contesting against independent candidate Mr Marx Sibanda.
Mr Phanankosi Mpofu, the District Elections Officer at the Tsholotsho RDC Command Centre, said all 25 polling stations opened on time at 7am. Ward 1 has 10 polling stations, Ward 10 has eight polling stations, while Ward 21 has seven polling stations.
Election officials confirmed that voting materials had been delivered to all polling stations ahead of the opening of polls, allowing the process to commence without delays
The by-elections were necessitated by the dismissal of councillors in Wards 1, 10 and 21 following an independent tribunal investigation into allegations of abuse of office and other offences. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) proclaimed June 20, 2026, as the polling date following the vacancies.
Voting is expected to continue until 7pm, after which vote counting will begin at individual polling stations before results are announced.
Observers said the peaceful atmosphere prevailing across the three wards reflects growing democratic maturity within the district, with residents exercising their constitutional right to choose their representatives in a calm and orderly environment.
The outcome of the by-elections is expected to influence the political complexion of the affected wards and help shape local development priorities in the years ahead.
