Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
All is in place for by-elections in Gutu East, Insiza North, Ward Five Chipinge Rural District Council, and Ward Four of Binga Rural District Council, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has said.
The electoral commission’s vice-chairman, Ambassador Rodney Kiwa, yesterday told a press conference that 62 250 ballot papers had been printed, with 56 791 people expected to vote.
“All materials and human resources are in place. Ward elections officers, deputy ward elections officers, presiding officers, and polling officers for all electoral centres have been recruited and trained,” he said.
Amb Kiwa implored candidates, political parties, and supporters to observe the code of conduct and maintain peace before, during, and after the by-elections.
“ZEC has identified a total of 135 polling stations. Gutu East constituency has 56 polling stations, Insiza North has 67 polling stations, Ward Five of Chipinge RDC has seven polling stations, while Ward Four of Binga RDC has five polling stations,” he said. The Gutu East seat fell vacant following the recall of Benjamin Ganyiwa by Zanu PF, while the one for Insiza North followed the death of Cde Farai Taruvinga, who was the sitting National Assembly member.
The sitting councillor for Ward Four Binga RDC resigned, while the one for Ward Five Chipinge RDC died.
In Gutu East, Zanu PF candidate Cde Masvingise Zvarevashe will battle it out with Mr Zivanai Nzvenga of the National Consultative Assembly and Gift Gonese, an independent candidate.
In Insiza North, Zanu PF candidate Cde Delani Moyo will battle it out with Mr Thabani Mlotshwa of ZAPU, Mbongani Moyo of ZNRP, and Leslie Dube, an independent candidate. Amb Kiwa encouraged the electorate to choose candidates of their choice.
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