Online Reporter
Takunda Gambiza and Alicia Kadzviti
More than 6 300 voters are expected to participate in three by-elections today, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has said.
The by-elections are being held for Ward 21 of Chimanimani Rural District Council, Ward 4 of Gutu RDC and Ward 12 of Mangwe RDC.
ZEC deputy chairperson Ambassador Rodney Kiwa told the media yesterday that they are fully prepared to conduct free, fair and credible elections.
He stated that all necessary materials and human resources are in place for a smooth electoral process.
These by-elections were necessitated by the deaths of incumbents in all three local authorities. The Nomination Court, which sat on September 24, produced six candidates for the elections.
In Chimanimani Ward 21, Ms Janet Chitendeva of the NCA will face Cde Chipo Hlerema of ZANU PF.
In Gutu Ward 4, independent candidate Mr Farai Manguvo will compete against Cde Tawanda Mutare of ZANU PF, while in Mangwe Ward 12, independent candidate Mr Tshaka Moyo will challenge Cde Benjamin Ndlovu of ZANU PF.
Voter registration figures show 2 121 voters in Gutu, 2 909 in Chimanimani, and 1 286 in Mangwe. To prevent any issues with ballot shortages, ZEC has printed extra ballots, totalling 6 700, which represents a 6,08 percent surplus. Ambassador Kiwa emphasised that this measure will help ensure that no voter is turned away.
