Zanu PF reclaims Chegutu Ward 1

Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau

ZANU PF, has reclaimed the Chegutu Municipality Ward 1 seat in a by-election, ending nearly two decades of opposition control.

According to an official declaration of results issued by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, Cde Gifty Konjana secured 367 votes to defeat two independent candidates in the poll held yesterday.

Independent candidate Mr Elisha Tonderai Dausi garnered 301 votes, while another independent, Mr Charles Mirisau, received nine votes.

One ballot was rejected and voter turnout stood at 34,57 percent. ZEC ward elections officer Ms Charlene Mauyakufa duly declared Cde Konjana the elected councillor for Ward 1 under Chegutu Municipality.

Cde Konjana, a former opposition member who recently crossed the floor to join Zanu PF, was endorsed by the ruling party to represent it in the by-election.

In an interview following the announcement of the results, Cde Konjana described the victory as a triumph for unity and development.

“This win is not for me alone, but for the people of Ward 1 who have chosen development and progress. I made a conscious decision to join Zanu PF because I realised that meaningful transformation can only be achieved by working with the Government of the day. I am ready to serve all residents, regardless of political affiliation,” he said.

He pledged to prioritise improved service delivery, road rehabilitation, water access and support for farmers in the predominantly rural ward.

Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka hailed the result as a clear demonstration of growing confidence in the ruling party.

“This victory is historic. Ward 1 has been under opposition control since 2008, and reclaiming it shows that the people now appreciate the development trajectory being championed by the Second Republic,” she said.

Cde Mliswa-Chikoka added that the party’s structures worked tirelessly on the ground to mobilise support.

“We welcome Cde Konjana into the revolutionary family. His background and experience will strengthen our grassroots structures. The electorate has sent a strong message that politics of division belong to the past, what people want is development,” she said.