Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure, Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZANU-PF swept to victory in all the four by-elections held on Saturday — two National Assembly constituencies and two rural district councils (RDCs) — maintaining its dominance on the country’s political landscape.
The by-elections were held in Gutu East and Insiza North constituencies, Ward Five of Chipinge RDC and Ward Four of Binga RDC.
The latest victory consolidated the ruling party’s dominance in Parliament and Local Government countrywide.
Gutu East constituency elections officer, Mr Ernest Mukunidzwa, announced that Zanu-PF candidate, Cde Masvingise Zvarevashe, emerged victorious with 9 321 votes, while independent candidate, Mr Gift Gonese, garnered 2 269 votes and Mr Zivanai Nzvenga of National Consultative Assembly got 173 votes.
In Insiza North Constituency, Zanu-PF candidate, Cde Delani Moyo, romped to victory with 7 171 votes, Independent candidate Mr Leslie Dube managed 1 187 votes, Zapu candidate Thabani Mlotshwa had 114 votes, while ZNRP party candidate Mbongeni Moyo got 131.
ZEC elections officer for Insiza North constituency, Mr Zelembu Dube announced the results, saying there were 84 rejected ballot papers.
Ward elections officer for Chipinge RDC Ward Five, Mr Tungamirai Maxwell Sunduza announced that Zanu-PF candidate, Cde Humbe Singatini, romped to victory with 1 748 votes, independent candidate Mr Godfrey Salani came second with 362 votes, NCA candidate Mr Tinozivei Mkachana got 100 votes, while CCC candidate Mr Ndinani Zvigumi got a paltry 26 votes.
In Binga RDC Ward Four, Zanu-PF candidate Cde Brian Munsaka won with 910 votes, while independent candidate Mr Mipia Dube got 160 votes.
ZEC Ward Four Binga RDC Ward elections officer, Mr Joseph Moyo, announced the results.
The Gutu East seat fell vacant after Benjamin Ganyiwa was recalled and in Insiza North, Cde Farai Taruvinga, who was the sitting National Assembly member for the constituency died.
The vacancy for ward four of Binga RDC was a result of the resignation of the sitting councillor while ward five, Chipinge RDC fell vacant due to the death of a councillor.
Zanu-PF spokesperson, Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, expressed the party’s delight and gratitude for the electorate’s continuous trust in the party’s policies under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.
“The victory in the by-elections reaffirms the party’s dominant position in Zimbabwean politics, solidifying its representation in the National Assembly in which it now has well over a two-thirds majority,” he said.
Ambassador Mutsvangwa hailed the results as a testament to the party’s ever growing support and popularity.
Bongani Ndlovu