Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka in Tsholotsho
ZANU-PF has maintained its dominance in Tsholotsho Rural District Council (RDC) after winning all three wards contested in Saturday’s by-elections, defeating independent and opposition candidates in convincing fashion.
The ruling party secured victories in Wards 1, 10 and 21, with its candidates emerging victorious in polls characterised by moderate voter turnout.
In Ward 10, election officer Tito Sialuya declared Zanu-PF candidate Cde Simbisai Ndlovu duly elected councillor after she garnered 802 votes.
Cde Ndlovu comfortably defeated ZAPU candidate Mr Mchlukanisi Washington Ncube, who polled 183 votes, while independent candidate Mr Thando Siziba received 67 votes.
The ward recorded a voter turnout of 37,7 percent.
Ward 21 also went to Zanu-PF after election officer Thembelihle Khumalo announced Cde Phillip Mvundla as the winner.
Cde Mvundla secured 512 votes against independent candidate Mr Marx Sibanda’s 236 votes.
The voter turnout in the ward stood at 41,1 percent.
In Ward 1, election officer Doli Hlabangana declared Cde Lindiwe Mkwananzi the winner after she obtained 471 votes.
Her challenger, independent candidate Mr Solani Mlilo, garnered 251 votes.
The ward recorded the highest turnout among the three wards at 45,4 percent.
The results underline Zanu-PF’s continued strong support base in Tsholotsho District, with the party retaining control of the contested seats despite challenges from independent candidates and the opposition.
The outcome reflects voter confidence in the ruling party’s development agenda and local leadership structures.
The by-elections were conducted peacefully, with election officials overseeing the voting and counting processes in accordance with electoral regulations.
Blessing Chizhande