Zanu-PF wins in by-elections

Bongani Ndlovu, Chronicle Reporter
THE ruling party Zanu-PF won five of the six council by-elections that were held at the weekend in Matabeleland South, Manicaland, Midlands and Mashonaland Central provinces.

The electoral body, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec), said the elections were incident-free.
Zanu-PF only lost the Mutare Ward 18 where Mr Blessing Murindashaka of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) garnered 711 votes while Zanu-PF’s Cde Loveness Chawashira got 478 with NCA’s Mr Nyasha Machekeche getting 18 votes.

In Matabeleland South, Zanu-PF candidate for Ward 4 under Insiza Rural District Council, Cde Daniel Dube polled 578 votes beating Mr Augustine Gumede of CCC who got 415.

Cde Fadreck Siwela of Zanu-PF won the council seat for Ward 2 in Matobo District after garnering 934 votes while Mr Sindiso Ngwenya of CCC and Mr Liberty Nyirongo of Zapu got 270 and 25 respectively.

Cde Ernest Muzokomba, the ruling party candidate for Ward 24 under Buhera RDC in Manicaland won the seat after polling 1 265 votes beating Mr Joram Muzamba of CCC who got 692 votes.

In the Midlands province under Takawira RDC Ward 6, Cde Netsai Winny Dzingira of Zanu-PF got 594 votes, beating Mr Amos Marevengwa of CCC who got 314 votes.

In Guruve RDC (Ward 4) in Mashonaland Central, Cde Season Chiguma of the ruling party got 1 135 votes while Mr Wonder Francis Kudyahakudadirwi of CCC got 114 votes.

Zec spokesperson Commissioner Jasper Mangwana said the by-elections went on smoothly.
“Polling stations opened at 7am and closed at 7pm. The by-elections were held under a peaceful environment and there were no major challenges,” he said.

Zanu-PF Matabeleland South Provincial Political Commissar Cde Washington Nkomo said as a party they were satisfied with the victory.

“We are happy with our performance in the by-elections. Our members heeded the call and came out in their numbers to vote, which contributed to the win in all the wards,” he said.

Cde Nkomo said the party is already geared for next year’s general elections.
“Our win clearly shows that Zanu-PF is a people’s party and that its policies resonate with the electorate. The policies that

Zanu-PF implements are people-oriented. These results are confirming that we are headed for a resounding victory next year,” said Cde Nkomo.