Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka [email protected]
THREE candidates have successfully filed their nomination papers to contest the Bulawayo Ward 1 council by-election set for October 3.
The Nomination Court, which sat at the Bulawayo Small City Hall on Wednesday from 10am to 4pm, received nomination papers from Zanu-PF candidate Mathias Tichaona Tsikira, CCC candidate Mduduzi Sibanda and independent candidate Shepherd Sithole.
The nomination process was presided over by Nomination Officer Mr Aleck Simuzibe Dube, who is also the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) District Elections Officer for Bulawayo Central District.
The three candidates are now set to battle it out for the Ward 1 council seat in the by-election following the removal from office of former councillor Josiah Mutangi in July.
Mutangi was removed after an independent tribunal found him guilty of misconduct following his conviction for defrauding street vendors by falsely promising them municipal vending bays in the city centre.
The Ward 1 by-election is part of a series of local authority by-elections being held in Bulawayo, with nomination proceedings also determining the final list of candidates for Wards 10 and 21.
Speaking after successfully filing his nomination papers, Cde Tsikira said he was humbled by the opportunity to represent the people of Ward 1.
“Today marks an important milestone in my journey of service to the people. I am humbled and honoured to have successfully filed my nomination papers as a Zanu PF candidate for the October 3 by-election,” he said.
Cde Tsikira thanked the Zanu PF leadership, party structures, supporters and residents for backing his candidature.
“I would like to sincerely thank the leadership of the party, our structures, comrades, supporters, friends and, most importantly, the people who continue to believe in my vision and commitment to serve,” he said.
He said his campaign would focus on service delivery, development and unity rather than personalities.
“This is not about an individual; it is about people, development, unity and service. I enter this election with humility, determination and a clear commitment to listen to the people, understand their challenges and work tirelessly for meaningful solutions,” he said.
Cde Tsikira also called for peaceful campaigns ahead of the election, urging supporters to remain disciplined and united.
“The campaign ahead must be about ideas, development and the future we want to build together. I call upon all our supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and united,” he said.
“The nomination has been filed. The work begins.”
The Ward 1 contest is expected to attract considerable interest given the strategic location of the ward, which covers part of Bulawayo’s central business district.
The by-election will provide residents with an opportunity to elect a new councillor to represent their interests at the Bulawayo City Council.
Political parties and independent candidates are expected to intensify their campaigns in the coming weeks as they seek to convince voters to back their respective candidates.
The October 3 polls will also provide an opportunity for residents to assess competing programmes on service delivery, urban development and the management of council affairs.
The successful candidate will serve the remainder of the term of office for the vacant Ward 1 council seat.
