Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka/ Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Writers
THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has reported a 21 percent voter turnout in the Nkulumane Constituency by-election, with the electoral body and the candidates commending the peaceful and conducive atmosphere that characterised the polls.
Polling stations across the constituency opened at 7am and closed at 7pm yesterday evening, though voting continued for several hours at some centres to accommodate those who were still in the queues by the official closing time.
Providing a provisional update shortly after 7pm, ZEC Commissioner Mrs Abigail Mohadi-Ambrose, said 4 798 voters had cast their ballots out of a registered population of 22 833.
“The polling stations officially closed at 7pm. 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.
Of those who had voted by the deadline, 1 909 were males and 2 889 females.
Comm Mohadi-Ambrose revealed that 383 people were turned away for various reasons, including being registered in wrong constituencies, lack of valid identification, or presenting driver’s licences, which is not legally 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.
Meanwhile, candidates from the contesting parties praised the calm atmosphere of the poll.
Zanu-PF candidate, Cde Freedom Murechu, who cast his vote at the Brethren in Christ Church polling station, expressed optimism regarding his prospects.
“I am confident of winning the seat for Zanu-PF. We have done our groundwork and connected well with the electorate,” said Cde Murechu.
Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) candidate, Mr Mothusi Ndlovu, popularly known as Madlela Skhobokobo, also expressed satisfaction after voting in the constituency.
He commended the peaceful environment, which he said allowed residents to exercise their democratic rights without fear or hindrance.
Similarly, independent candidate Mr Mbuso Fuzwayo, who cast his ballot at the Anglican Church A polling station, hailed the overall process as peaceful.
He described the atmosphere as “conducive,” allowing for a smooth participation of the electorate.
Independent candidate Alderman Rodney Jele, in a brief interview with Sunday News after casting his vote at Nkulumane Hall, had been optimistic that the voter turnout would improve as the day progressed.
“The voter turnout was low in the morning but we expect it to improve as the day progresses. The election has been smooth so far and we expect the voting process to continue like this,” said Ald Jele.
Results were expected last night to early this morning.
Bongani Ndlovu