Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has hailed Saturday’s Tsholotsho Rural District Council (RDC) by-elections as peaceful, orderly and successful, saying the polls demonstrated Zimbabwe’s growing electoral maturity and the ability of political players to coexist harmoniously during elections.
Matabeleland North provincial elections officer Mr Richard Sibanda said the electoral process proceeded smoothly without any incidents of violence or disturbances, allowing for the timely collation and announcement of results.
Speaking after the conclusion of the polls, Mr Sibanda commended all stakeholders for contributing to a peaceful electoral environment.
“The election process went very well and was highly successful. We were able to conclude the counting process efficiently and announce the results early,” he said.
Mr Sibanda said there were no reports of violence, intimidation or disruptions throughout the voting process, with the atmosphere remaining calm and conducive to free participation by voters.
“There were no incidents of violence and the atmosphere remained peaceful throughout the election. This is the kind of environment that we always expect to see during elections,” he said.
Mr Sibanda commended candidates, election agents and supporters for demonstrating political maturity, tolerance and respect for democratic processes.
“Sometimes it is rare to see contesting candidates and their agents interacting freely and peacefully without accusing each other or engaging in disputes.
“However, during these by-elections, it was different. Candidates and their agents were able to sit together and engage cordially without fighting, shouting or pointing fingers at one another,” he said.
Mr Sibanda said the peaceful conduct of the polls reflected a growing appreciation among political stakeholders of the importance of maintaining harmony before, during and after elections.
A Zimpapers news crew that visited various polling stations and collation centres in Tsholotsho observed a tranquil atmosphere throughout the district, with candidates, election agents and officials interacting freely in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
Voting took place in Wards 1, 10 and 21 of Tsholotsho RDC, with the ruling Zanu-PF party winning all three seats.
The by-elections were necessitated by vacancies that arose following the dismissal of councillors after an independent tribunal investigated allegations of criminal abuse of office, fraud and the abuse of CAMPFIRE funds.
Election officials, political parties, candidates and voters were commended for their role in ensuring that the by-elections were conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible manner.
Mr Sibanda said the success of the Tsholotsho by-elections should serve as an example of how electoral contests can be conducted in an atmosphere of peace and tolerance.
“When all stakeholders respect the rules of the game and put peace first, elections become a celebration of democracy rather than a source of conflict. That is exactly what we witnessed in Tsholotsho,” he said.
