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Moffat Mungazi
Post Reporter
ZIMBABWEANS last week took part in harmonised elections to elect leaders who will hold office for the next five years, with President Mnangagwa handed another term to take Zimbabwe to the Promised Land.
While some candidates retained their National Assembly and local authority seats, it was a first time out for others.
Out of the 6 623 511 registered voters, 4 561 221 managed to cast their ballots; translating to a 68.86 percent turn-out.
President Mnangagwa of Zanu PF garnered 2 350 711 votes (52.6 percent), while Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC)’s Mr Nelson Chamisa got 1 967 343 (44.03 percent) in the Presidential election.
In Manicaland, Zanu PF got 21 seats in the National Assembly, while CCC got five.
At national level, the ruling party secured 136 Parliamentary seats, while CCC got 73.
Enthusiastic electorate
The 2023 harmonised elections presented voters, both first-time and old-timers, with a perfect opportunity to exercise their Constitutional right and civic duty to cast their ballots.
A voter turn-out of 68.86 percent generally paints a picture of a population that was keen to participate in the plebiscite.
With the polling stations opening at 7am, the early birds were already there by the start of business. As they day progressed, prospective voters continued trickling in.
Among those casting their ballots were the youthful and the old.
Both men and women constituted the contingent of voters.
The enthusiasm among voters in Manicland Province was virtually palpable.
For good measure, some voters proudly showed off their marked fingers after voting.
Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, cast her vote at her former school, Gombakomba Primary Schol in Mutare South; while Transport and Infrastructural Development Deputy Minister, Cde Mike Madiro cast his vote at Riverside Odzi Country Club.
“Although I had a busy schedule in Harare, I managed to come all the way here and vote. I was pleased to see the people queueing up to vote without any incidences of disturbances. This demonstrates that Zimbabweans have matured politically and our democracy has come of age,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
CCC provincial spokesperson, Mr David Panganai gave the exercise a thumps up after casting his ballot at Meikles Park Polling Station in Mutare Central last week on Wednesday morning.
“The process kicked off on a positive note and from my observation, there was nothing amiss as the elections officers served the voters very well. So far so good as everything is being handled in a professional manner,” said Mr Panganai.
A nonagenarian, Gogo Sekai Mucheti (91), walked home proudly after voting at Machongwe Business Centre in Chimanimani East.
She said the smooth process at the polling station enabled her to cast her ballot with ease.
Sekuru Dzingai Muchapo (81) of Mutamangira Village was all smiles after completing the voting process at Pafiwa Mutasa Ward 11 Polling Station in Mutasa Central.
For octogenarian, Gogo Jane Pfaira (80), the slight challenges she experienced at Chirovakamwe Primary in Ward 15 of Dangamvura Constituency were not a deterrent as she eventually managed to vote.
For first-time voter, Mr Noel Maenda (20), the frustration of being unable to vote on Wednesday could not hold him back from fulfilling the desire of exercising his Constitutional right in Mutasa South.
Mr Maenda eventually managed to vote the following day.
“Voting for the first time in my life has filled me with loads of excitement. I had to be patient after failing to cast the vote yesterday (last Wednesday). I am delighted that l have finally managed to do so,” he said.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)’s announcement for an extension of operating hours for polling stations that had opened late due to logistical challenges came as sweet music to those who were in affected areas.
Peaceful plebiscite
Jubilation erupted after some candidates emerged victorious.
However, those whose preferred candidates had lost slid into disappointment.
But at the end of it all, peace was the ultimate winner.
Tranquillity largely prevailed throughout and after the voting process.
ZEC Manicaland Provincial Elections Officer, Mr Thompson Chiwereweshe expressed satisfaction with the way the polls were conducted in the province.
“The voting exercise went on very well without any major challenges. We are delighted that the environment was very calm as peace prevailed in the province.
“As ZEC, we would like to thank all the stakeholders that were involved in these elections — the voters, the political parties and candidates.
“Manicaland should be proud of herself for voting peacefully. The harmony demonstrated throughout must be replicated in other future programmes. Elections come and go but at the end of the day, we must all remain united as Zimbabweans,” said Mr Chiwereweshe.
Acting Chief Saunyama of Nyanga commended the people in his area for heeding President Mnangagwa’s call to be peaceful during and after the polls.
He urged everyone to accept the outcome of the polls and allow peace to prevail beyond August 23 as Zimbabwe continues to work on economic development and social transformation.
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