Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
IN a historic political shift, Zanu-PF has reclaimed the Nkulumane Constituency seat, breaking a two-decade opposition stranglehold that began at the turn of the millennium.
Zanu-PF candidate Cde Freedom Murechu emerged victorious in the by-election held yesterday, securing the parliamentary seat left vacant by the late incumbent legislator, Desire Moyo.
The official results, announced by Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Elections Officer Mrs Sithembiso Khuphe, confirmed that Cde Murechu outpaced eight other contestants to clinch the seat.
Cde Murechu’s commanding lead of 3,416 votes highlights a significant swing in a constituency long considered an opposition stronghold.
Cde Murechu defeated eight other candidates to secure the seat, with independent candidate Rodney Jele finishing second with 745 votes.
Other contestants included independent Esther Excellia Zitha, the widow of the late Moyo, who received 325 votes, and Mothusi Ndlovu (also known as Madlela Skhobokobo) of the CCC, who garnered 320 votes. They were followed by independent Mbuso Fuzwayo with 121 votes, Vivian Siziba of ZAPU with 110, Alson Moyo of the EFF with 65, Ethel Sibanda of the MDC-T with 23 and Nompilo Ncube Malaba of the ZANC, who received 18 votes.
